Mississippi State could possibly play without its starting safety for the remainder of the season. The Bulldogs suspended Justin Cox indefinitely on Friday after the senior was arrested and charged with aggravated domestic violence.

MSU safety Justin Cox suspended indefintely

Former defensive lineman Jordan Washington was arrested during the summer. Mississippi State suspended him indefinitely. Washington never saw another snap with the Bulldogs.

Cox played in nine games this season with 21 tackles and an interception. His arrest creates a hole in the secondary. The Bulldogs had the SEC’s worst pass defense with Cox. But despite his absence, MSU has the depth to recover.

Kivon Coman and Deontay Evans are listed as Cox’s backups on the depth chart. Both have more tackles on the season than Cox.

Coman has 27 tackles and three pass breakups. Evans has 24 tackles, including one for loss and one pass breakup. Coman and Evans both impressed during the spring when they received opportunities to play.

During the season, their roles were limited due to the play of Cox.

Senior Jay Hughes is also an option. MSU lists Hughes as a strong safety with Kendrick Market. Hughes has one of the best football IQs on the team and shouldn’t have a problem shifting over to free safety.

Hughes, like Cox, has 21 tackles on the year and is tied for the second most interceptions on the team with two.

Mississippi State hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Bulldogs need to win its final two games in order to remain in the discussion for the College Football Playoff.