Michigan State Linebacker Ed Davis Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury

The 2015 football season is over before it even began for a key Michigan State contributor.

Fifth-year senior linebacker Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury on Wednesday during the first preseason practice in full pads, according to an MSU news release. A post-practice MRI confirmed the injury will require surgery.

“We’re so disappointed for Ed Davis, and his presence in the lineup will be missed,” head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. “Ed is a tremendous playmaker and a solid leader. He will still have an important role on this team, and he might have the opportunity to qualify for a sixth year of eligibility.

“Our program has faced adversity before, so now it’s time to adopt the ‘next man up’ mentality. Ed’s season-ending injury provides others with an opportunity to have a positive impact on this team.”

A preseason All-Big Ten selection, Davis ranked fourth on the team with a career-high 58 tackles. He also finished third on the team in tackles for loss (12 for 48 yards) and sacks (seven for 33 yards).

Sophomore Chris Frey is listed as the next up on MSU's depth chart. Frey played in all 13 games as a true freshman last season, accumulating 19 tackles.