Mississippi State football releases injury report ahead of SEC opener vs Florida

New to the SEC this season are weekly player availability reports for conference matchups. Teams must report which players may miss time with an appropriate designation ahead of each SEC game. It's a big change for SEC football, as coaches are now required to provide official word on a player's status each week.

With Mississippi State football set to play their SEC-opener with the Florida Gators, we have our first availability report of the season for the Bulldogs.

Defensive lineman Kalvin Dinkins remains out for Mississippi State

Mississippi State will be with defensive lineman Kalvin Dinkins for the third-straight week. The sophomore defensive tackle went down in the season-opener against Eastern Kentucky, and he remains out against the Gators. Dinkins is arguably the most-talented DL on the roster, and given State's issues up-front, his absence has hurt.

Backup cornerback Traveon Wright will miss his third game of the season. Wright missed the opener before playing in Week 2. But he was out vs Toledo and will be out again Saturday. Fortunately starting CB Kelley Jones, who missed last week, does not have an injury designation. Backup safety Tyler Woodard will miss the first-half vs Florida due to a targeting penalty last week.

Defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones questionable for Bulldogs

State's depth at DT is in more danger this week, as starter Kedrick Bingley-Jones is questionable to play vs Florida. With Dinkins out and Eric Taylor no longer on the roster, the Bulldogs are already thin along the defensive interior. Losing Bingley-Jones would be a big blow.

Backup CB DeAgo Brumfield dressed for the Bulldogs last week after missing the first two games, but he is questionable to play Saturday. Backup safety Chris Keys Jr. is questionable after going down with injury vs Toledo, and kickoff specialist Marlon Hauck is also listed as questionable.

Safety Corey Ellington listed as probable to make season debut

State may get back a starter in the secondary vs Florida. Strong safety Corey Ellington is listed as probable to play Saturday. Ellington was named a starter on MSU's initial depth chart, but he has been out with injury for the first three games of the season. As the most veteran player in the secondary, getting him back would be big for State. True freshman running back Xavier Gayten is also listed as probable vs the Gators.

Multiple starters out for Gators on Saturday

Florida will be without multiple starters vs Mississippi State, the most notable of which is WR Eugene Wilson III. Wilson III led the Gators in TD catches last season and has recorded 13 catches for 191 yards and a score so far this year. He missed last week's matchup with Texas A&M as well.

Starting nickel Aaron Gates is also out for Florida, and starting safety Asa Turner will miss his third-straight game. The Gators will also be without one of their top DEs, Joey Slackman.