Michigan State linebacker Ed Davis suffers season-ending knee injury

Michigan State fifth-year senior linebacker Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through Wednesday?s first preseason practice in full pads. 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,? MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said. ?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 led the team with 200 production points during the 2014 regular season and 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).

— MSUSpartans.com

Losing LB Ed Davis is big for Michigan State. Tough blow.

— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) August 13, 2015

Quick on Ed Davis: He can apply for 6th year, would probably have good chance. But would he want it? And his backup is Chris Frey.

— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) August 13, 2015

Michigan State has had a fortunate injury-free run under Mark Dantonio. Major losses have been rare. Davis a major, major blow.

— Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson) August 13, 2015

Ed Davis' injury may be an opportunity for Drake Martinez. But it's an awful break for Davis. Seems like a good guy, primed for a big year.

— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) August 13, 2015

Brutal news for #MichiganState. star LB Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury in Spartans first full pads practice on Wed.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 13, 2015

Without Ed Davis (4th leading tackler), MSU down to 6 returning starters plus no Narduzzi. Was really good downhill LB. Big blow for Sparty

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) August 13, 2015

Big blow for @MSU_Football as LB Ed Davis suffered season-ending knee injury in Wednesday's practice. Had 12 TFLs, 7 sacks last year.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 13, 2015