EAST LANSING - Michigan State's season-opening win last year came at a cost.
The Spartans suffered a trio of season-ending injuries to key players against FAU and that set the table for more to come.
Year two of coach Jonathan Smith's tenure began on a more positive health front in last week's 23-6 victory against Western Michigan.
"Coming out of the game, felt really pretty solid for playing a first game opponent, live tackle for however many snaps," Smith said on Monday, "so nothing lingering from the game that we think is going to hold anybody out."
There are, however, still lingering injuries the Spartans (1-0) took into the opener that could improve by the time they host Boston College (1-0) on Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBC) in their top nonconference matchup.
Starting safety Nikai Martinez was limited in fall camp due to an undisclosed injury and was one of seven players listed out against the Broncos. Kickers Tarik Ahmetbasic and Martin Connington and long snapper Kaden Schickel were also unavailable while offensive lineman Luka Vincic dressed but didn't play due to a recent foot injury.
"Optimistic on Luka being available but we'll see at the end of the week," Smith said. "Same thing on Nikai, we'll see what that looks like at the end of the week. On the kicking side, Martin has a chance end of the week, we'll see again how he goes through it."
With Martinez sidelined, Armorion Smith got the start at safety opposite Malik Spencer. The offensive line rotated every spot except Matt Gulbin at center with seven players in a mix Vincic is expected to be part of.
At kicker, walk-on Blake Sislo made his college debut and connected on all three of his extra-point attempts. Punter Ryan Eckley had another standout performance averaging 51.3 yards on six attempts with two deep pins, one of which led to a safety. He also added to his repertoire by handling kickoffs - two touchbacks in four attempts - and missed a 46-yard field goal wide left at the end of the first half. Due to the injuries and Sislo's range, Eckley took his first career attempt and could remain the long field goal option this weekend.
"We'll see by the end of the week where Martin and Tarik are at, where Blake's at to be honest with you," Smith said. "He did solid, first three going right through the uprights.
Those kicks were made with the help of long snapper Jack Wills, a true freshman who started his college debut. The Hudsonville product stepped in when Schickel couldn't play against the Broncos.
"You didn't see any issues on the long snaps," Smith said. "He was on point, that's a big, big thing in the way we cover those."