Mizzou TE Brett Norfleet, LB Josiah Trotter to miss bowl game
Mizzou football coach Eliah Drinkwitz announced Tuesday that starting tight end Brett Norfleet and linebacker Josiah Trotter will miss the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
Norfleet had shoulder surgery to fix lingering issues from a separated shoulder he suffered against Vanderbilt. Drinkwitz said the junior was playing through the injury through the final stretch of the season.
In his third season with the team, Norfleet was second among Mizzou pass catchers with 31 receptions, while he was fifth with 254 receiving yards. He was first on the team with five receiving touchdowns more than double any other Tiger total.
Drinkwitz said the surgery should have Norfleet ready to go for spring camp, but he will be absent against Virginia on Dec. 27.
In his absence, the Tigers will likely turn to Jude James as a receiving tight end to pair with Jordon Harris as a primary blocking option. James had six catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns, including a four-catch performance for 29 yards and a touchdown against Vanderbilt after Norfleet’s exit.
The injury kept Norfleet out for just one game during the season, but in the three games after his return, he caught just five passes for 30 yards.
This isn’t the first shoulder injury Norfleet has dealt with. He played much of the 2024 season through a shoulder injury he suffered on his first catch in the season opener. He then had surgery to repair the issue and missed the Tigers’ appearance in the Music City Bowl against Iowa.
Trotter to miss Missouri bowl game
Trotter suffered a knee injury in Week 14 against Arkansas. The first-year Tigers linebacker, who transferred from West Virginia, was able to play through the injury against the Razorbacks. The Missouri staff made the decision to hold him out for the bowl game.
While stepping into a starting role for the Tigers, Trotter recorded 84 total tackles with a career-high 43 by himself. The redshirt sophomore, who is eligible for the NFL Draft, also logged two sacks and one pass defended.
MizzouToday recruiting editor Kenny Van Doren contributed to this report.