EAST LANSING -- Add a name to the growing list of key Michigan State players banged up -- senior defensive tackle Joel Heath likely won't play today for the No. 2 Spartans against Central Michigan (noon, Big Ten Network).
Heath is available for emergency duty, an MSU spokesman said, indicating he doesn't have a long-term injury. Senior Lawrence Thomas has moved inside to start at tackle, and Demetrius Cooper is starting in Thomas' place at end.
MSU already has lost defensive starters Ed Davis (knee) and Vayante Copeland (fractured vertebra) to season-ending injuries, and right offensive tackle Kodi Kieler (knee) is out indefinitely.