Michigan State's Nikai Martinez 'might be out' for opener; What it Means & What's Next

nikai nick king — Nikai Martinez celebrates his interception during last year's season-opener against Florida Atlantic. He is questionable for this year's opening on Aug. 29. | Photo by Nick King | USA Today Network

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith revealed on Monday that senior free safety Nikai Martinez has been sidelined with an injury and is questionable for the Spartans’ season opener on Aug. 29 against Western Michigan. Martinez (5-11, 191, Sr., Apopka, Fla.) started all 12 games at free safety for Michigan State last year after transferring from Central Florida. “Nakai, potentially game one, might be out, we'll see where that goes,” Smith said after Monday’s practice, not expanding further on the situation. Martinez ranked No. 3 on the team in tackles last year with 51 and tied for second on the team with two interceptions. COMP'S TAKE: This injury isn’t something that developed over the weekend or even during preseason camp. Martinez has been out for the entirety of preseason camp and has been recovering from an undisclosed ailment throughout the summer. Michigan State coaches knew, coming out of spring practice, that Martinez would be doubtful for the season opener and possibly part of September. That’s part of the reason why Michigan State hit the transfer portal for three safeties following spring practice. (MORE ANALYSIS for this story inside SpartanMag).