After handing Florida its first loss of the season, Missouri football is now preparing to face Texas A&M. The Tigers have received a significant boost ahead of the matchup, as two starting edge rushers are set to return to action.

NFL insider Pete Thamel reported that Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen will both be available for Missouri’s upcoming game against the Aggies.

“Missouri starting edges Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen will both play against Texas A&M today. Smith has 2.0 TFLs in three games and 5.5 TFLs last year. Kitchen started four games and had 3.0 TFLs and 8 pressures this year,” Thamel wrote.

Smith missed Missouri’s last two games against Florida and Mississippi State after suffering an ankle injury during the Week 3 matchup against Troy. Meanwhile, Kitchen exited the Tigers’ Week 4 game against Mississippi State with a lower-body injury.

Despite missing both edge rushers, the Tigers delivered a strong defensive performance in their most recent outing against Florida. With Smith and Kitchen unavailable, sophomore defensive end Daeden Hopkins stepped into a larger role, playing 49 snaps against the Gators and helping Missouri navigate the absence of its regular starters.

Smith and Kitchen have been valuable contributors to Missouri’s defensive front this season. Having both players available against Texas A&M should provide the Tigers with greater flexibility in their defensive rotations.

Smith recorded five tackles, including two solo stops, across his first three games of the season. The edge rusher also brings valuable experience from the previous season, when he registered 15 total tackles and four sacks.

Article Continues Below

Kitchen has likewise established himself as a dependable presence on the defensive line. He has recorded three tackles for loss and eight quarterback pressures this season.

However, Texas A&M presents a different test for Missouri despite the expected defensive reinforcements. The Aggies enter the game fresh off a victory over Arkansas.

With both Smith and Kitchen expected to return, Missouri will have an opportunity to strengthen its defensive front against an Aggies team coming off a stellar offensive performance.