Michigan State football practice - August 6

Michigan State cornerback Mylan Hicks (6) runs a drill during their practice at at the team practice facility in East Lansing Wednesday, August 6, 2014. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING -- Coming off of its best performance of the season against Nebraska, the Michigan State defense will be without one of its key linebackers going forward.

Star linebacker Mylan Hicks suffered a broken arm Saturday against Nebraska and will miss approximately five weeks, head coach Mark Dantonio said Tuesday.

"He's a senior, he was playing well for us," Dantonio said. "He'll continue to be a guy that will bring a lot of emotion to our football game."

The fifth-year senior was listed as a co-starter the position alongside Darien Harris, marking the first time in his career he had made the Spartans' two-deep depth chart.

He had played in all five games with one start, recording 12 tackles and a sack.

Harris is now listed as the Spartans' starting linebacker, with true freshman Chris Frey listed as a backup. Frey has 11 tackles in five games this year.

Dantonio said safeties Demetrious Cox, RJ Williamson and Jalyn Powell could also see time at the Star linebacker spot.

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