Missouri defensive back E.J. Gaines strained the patellar tendon in his left knee and will miss about a week of practice, the school announced.
If his injury doesn't require him to miss too much more than a week, he should be ready to practice a week before the Tigers play Murray State to open the season Aug. 31. Gaines, a senior, is one of the top defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference. He broke up 11 passes and made 74 tackles as a cornerback last year, helping him earn a spot on the watch list for the 2013 Bednarik Award as the nation's top defender. Gaines was an All-Big 12 first-team pick in 2011 as a sophomore.
Of less injury concern for Missouri is a hamstring strain for running back Henry Josey. A 1,000-yard rusher for Missouri in 2011, Josey is rebounding from a knee injury that cost him all of last season. Josey is considered day to day, and did not practice Tuesday.
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