Shane Beamer provides key injury updates ahead of Thursday game

South Carolina will play Thursday night against South Carolina State, making the recovery time for injured players looking to make a return less than ideal. However, the Gamecocks still got good news on that front as the coaching staff and training staff believe nearly the entire roster will be ready to go.

Head coach Shane Beamer provided two key injury updates which could impact the way South Carolina lines up this week before getting to the positive update.

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“We’re in pretty good position right now,” said Beamer. “I would say that (Darius) Rush is questionable this week, I would say that (Dylan) Wonnum is doubtful this week, and then everybody else we’d expect to get back. David Spalding practiced a little bit today, so that was good to have him out there. And optimistic that everyone else will be back as well.”

Rush is a redshirt senior defensive back while Wonnum is a fifth-year senior offensive lineman.

The positive injury news will come as a relief to South Carolina as the Gamecocks look to build more momentum against a non-conference opponent before facing six consecutive SEC teams and ending the year against in-state rival Clemson.

Shane Beamer on new kickoff time

Shane Beamer also took time during his press conference to thank everyone who helped make the game against South Carolina State happen, as kickoff time required a late adjustment to help account for incoming Hurricane Ian on the coast.

“Certainly a unique week with a quicker turnaround,” said Beamer. “I want to thank – it was great collaboration with South Carolina State and coach Pugh and our administration. South Carolina State changed the kickoff time, so glad we were able to get that done and want to thank our – this was a university decision – and certainly appreciate out university working with athletics and the conversations that coach (Ray) Tanner and our administration had as well, along with South Carolina State.

“I know it’s a lot that goes into changing a kickoff time. There’s a lot of logistics at play as well, there’s a lot of people involved. So fortunate we were able to get that done.”

The additional tune-up game will certainly help South Carolina fine tune the issues on both sides of the ball early this season and offer any players with lingering injuries to get back on the field to build confidence of returning to full strength.