Juice Wells out for the remainder of the game vs. North Carolina with foot injury

Injuries continue to be a problem for South Carolina in Saturday night’s contest against North Carolina. ESPN’s Molly McGrath reported on the broadcast that receiver Juice Wells is the latest Gamecock to go down, as he is out for the remainder of the game with a foot injury.

Wells is the second key player to get bitten by the injury bug for South Carolina after safety Nick Emmanwori left early in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. The receiver had been targeted just once in the first half and did not have any stats at the time of the announcement.

“I talked to head coach Shane Beamer at the end of the half,” McGrath said. “He said that Juice Wells is out for the rest of the game with that foot injury he sustained this past summer. …He said ‘injuries are killing us. It’s next man up.'”

Wells led South Carolina this past season with 68 catches for 928 yards and six touchdowns. He is expected to again resume the role as top target for quarterback Spencer Rattler once he returns from the injury. Wells missed nearly all of fall camp with the foot injury, so the fact that it’s still bothering him is concerning.

With Wells out, Xavier Legette took over as the team’s top receiving threat to finish with nine catches for 178 yards. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the Gamecocks went on to lose 31-17.

South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori leaves game with hamstring injury

South Carolina suffered a huge blow early in the first quarter against North Carolina as safety Nick Emmanwori left the game with a hamstring injury. Emmanwori remained down for a few moments after making a tackle on the Tar Heels’ first offensive drive but was able to walk off the field under his own power.

However, he was taken to the medical tent after and was seen without his helmet on the sidelines riding a stationary bike and working with training staff. ESPN’s Molly McGrath provided an update on his status.

“He was visibly angry when he came off the field,” McGrath said. “He yelled and threw a chair and then he came out of the medical tent and he jogged back and forth on the sideline. Then punched a bench in frustration grabbing his left hamstring. He’s dealing with a lot of pain and discomfort and he has put down his helmet and is working with medical training staff to get this fixed.”

Shortly after that update, Emmanwori was shown walking off the field toward the locker room. He appears to be done for the game, which is a major loss for the Gamecocks.