EAST LANSING – Michigan State’s offense just suffered another significant blow.

Junior tight end Matt Dotson is out for the season due to torn Achilles tendon sustained in last week’s 37-34 loss to Illinois, coach Mark Dantonio announced on Tuesday morning.

Dotson was injured in the first quarter against Illinois and was wearing a walking boot on his right leg while using crutches on the sideline in the second half. He is fourth on the team in receiving this season with 16 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown.

It’s the second straight season the Spartans lost a key player to a torn Achilles as receiver Felton Davis had his senior season ended early with that same injury in an Oct. 20 loss to Michigan.

Starting cornerback Josiah Scott suffered an undisclosed injury in the third quarter against Illinois and didn’t return but Dantonio said he expects the junior to play at No. 14 Michigan on Saturday.

Michigan State (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten), which has lost four straight, has been hampered by injuries on the offensive side of the ball this season. Leading wide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. suffered a left leg injury in an Oct. 26 loss to Penn State while starting center Matt Allen also suffered an apparent leg injury against the Nittany Lions. It’s unclear when either will return although Dantonio hopes to get both back before the end of the season.

Starting receiver C.J. Hayes missed each of the last two games, as did offensive lineman Tyler Higby. Kevin Jarvis, a two-year starter at right guard who started the first three games this season at left tackle, has missed six straight game since suffering an apparent leg injury in a loss to Arizona State. Left tackle Cole Chewins hasn’t played this season due to a back injury.