The Missouri Tigers opened their 2025 football season with a commanding 61-6 victory over the Central Arkansas Bears on August 28, 2025, at Faurot Field. However, the triumph was overshadowed by a significant injury to redshirt sophomore kicker Blake Craig, which could have a substantial impact on the team’s special teams unit moving forward.
Craig, who was in the midst of an impressive performance, exited the game in the third quarter after sustaining a hard hit during a kickoff. According to reports, he was helped off the field by support staff and taken to the locker room, unable to continue. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz addressed the injury post-game, stating that Craig would undergo an MRI on Friday, August 29, to determine the extent of the damage. Speaking on the SEC Network’s “SEC This Morning” show the following day, Drinkwitz described the injury as “significant,” indicating that Craig may face an extended absence from the field.
Before his injury, Craig showcased his skill, going 2-for-2 on field goal attempts from 49 and 55 yards, contributing to Missouri’s dominant performance. His departure forced true freshman Robert Meyer to step in, handling extra-point duties for the remainder of the game. Meyer successfully converted all four of his extra-point attempts, providing a glimpse of potential depth at the kicker position.
The loss of Craig, a highly touted kicker who succeeded Missouri’s all-time leading scorer Harrison Mevis, poses a challenge for the Tigers. Last season, Craig demonstrated his reliability, finishing with 108 points on 24-of-34 field goals and 36-of-37 extra points in 16 games (13 starts). His standout moments included a 56-yard field goal against Boston College and a game-winning 37-yard kick in double overtime against Vanderbilt, earning him SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Drinkwitz’s comments suggest that Craig’s absence could be a significant blow, especially given his role as a dependable scorer. “A long-term injury for Craig would arguably have just as significant of an impact on Missouri as any other player besides its starting quarterback,” noted a report from SI.com. With the Tigers preparing for their next game against Kansas on September 6, 2025, the team is now looking at potential replacements.
True freshman Robert Meyer and recent addition Robbins are the likely candidates to fill the void. Although punter Connor Weselman was listed as Craig’s backup on the initial depth chart, he has not attempted placekicking in his four-year career, making Meyer and Robbins the more probable options. Both showed promise in limited action, and the coaching staff may use the upcoming week to evaluate their readiness for the starting role.
The injury comes at a critical time for Missouri, which also lost quarterback Sam Horn to a lower-body injury in the same game. Despite the setbacks, the Tigers’ depth was on display, with Penn State transfer Beau Pribula stepping up to lead the offense. However, Craig’s absence could prove costly in close games where field goals and extra points are crucial.
As Missouri awaits further updates on Craig’s condition, the focus shifts to the resilience of the special teams unit. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Tigers adapt and whether Meyer or Robbins can rise to the occasion. For now, the team and its supporters hope for a speedy recovery for Craig, whose powerful leg and mental toughness have already left a mark on the program.
