The University of Missouri (UM) football team suspended quarterback Maty Mauk and offensive tackle Malik Cuellar for the Tigers' upcoming game against South Carolina.

According to The Associated Press, UM's associate athletic director, Chad Moller, issued a statement Tuesday night. The suspensions were issued for "disciplinary reasons related to violation of team policies," though Moller apparently did not disclose any details.

Moller also indicated the players could miss more than one week, stating: "their status going forward will be evaluated after the game."

Citing an unnamed source, The Kansas City Star reported the suspension are unrelated to any legal matter and Mauk's absence from the team's media day on Monday was unrelated as well. The junior QB was reportedly in Springfield with father (and former high school football coach), Mike, underwent surgery for colorectal cancer.

UM head football coach Gary Pinkel apparently did not address specifics of the suspensions on the weekly SEC teleconference Wednesday, The Columbia Daily Tribune noted. Instead, he talked confirmed that Drew Lock, a true freshman, will start against South Carolina.

"I think he's real excited about it," Pinkel said. "It's a great opportunity, and he'll do well."

The coach did acknowledge that Mauk could be emotionally distressed due to his father's health, but did not say that could be painted as an excuse and nor would his QB try to do so.

"It's just something that at a young age he's forced to deal with it. Prayers that it hopefully comes out well for his family, The St. Louis Dispatch quoted Pinkel telling reporters of Mauk "We'll just see how that goes. He's a pretty focused guy. He'll never have excuses for anything."