Missouri running back Malae Fonoti sidelined for season with ACL injury
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 6:40 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Monday that running back Malae Fonoti will miss the remainder of the season due to a non-contact ACL tear. The Montana transfer sustained the injury during the second quarter of the team's season-opening victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Fonoti recorded three carries before exiting the game and is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. This injury further depletes the Missouri backfield, as Ahmad Hardy also remains unavailable while recovering from an offseason gunshot wound. With the team preparing for a Friday night matchup against Kansas, Drinkwitz identified running back depth as a primary concern. Xai’Shaun Edwards is expected to step into a larger role alongside starter Jamal Roberts, while Preston Hatfield and Anthony Favrow provide additional depth.
- •Malae Fonoti will miss the remainder of the season following an ACL tear.
- •Ahmad Hardy remains out while recovering from an offseason gunshot wound.
- •Xai’Shaun Edwards is now the primary backup to starting running back Jamal Roberts.
- •Missouri plays Kansas on Friday night in Lawrence.
- •Eli Drinkwitz cited running back depth as the team's biggest current concern.
- 6:40 PMYahoo Sports — Missouri news: Tigers lose RB for season after suffering 'non-contact ACL' injury
- 6:22 PMYahoo Sports — Missouri football RB depth takes another hit with season-ending injury
"Missouri saw six different running backs take carries against Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past weekend. Missouri was also still missing Ahmad Hardy , who is recovering from an offseason gunshot wound and has yet to return. Now, another member of the running back room has been lost for the season , according to Calum McAndrew of The Columbia Tribune. […] The post Missouri news: Tigers lose RB for season after suffering 'non-contact ACL' injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"Missouri football's running back depth took another hit this week, as the Tigers will now be without both Ahmad Hardy and backup Malae Fonoti at KU.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 6:40 PMMissouri news: Tigers lose RB for season after suffering 'non-contact ACL' injury
Missouri saw six different running backs take carries against Arkansas-Pine Bluff this past weekend. Missouri was also still missing Ahmad Hardy , who is recovering from an offseason gunshot wound and has yet to return. Now, another member of the running back room has been lost for the season , according to Calum McAndrew of The Columbia Tribune. […] The post Missouri news: Tigers lose RB for season after suffering 'non-contact ACL' injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 6:22 PMMissouri football RB depth takes another hit with season-ending injury
Missouri football's running back depth took another hit this week, as the Tigers will now be without both Ahmad Hardy and backup Malae Fonoti at KU.
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