Shane Beamer provides update on Trey Knox's injury

South Carolina has been beat up at several positions this year, but the skill position spots have been especially dinged up. Tight end Trey Knox has missed some games due to various injuries this season, but he’s on the mend this week.

Coach Shane Beamer said Knox is rounding back into form this week and should be able to play against Kentucky.

“Proud of him because he has battled through some injuries,” Beamer said Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. “Was kind of beat up going into that A&M game and then pulled his hamstring in the A&M game and that kept him out the last couple weeks. But he’s practiced this week. He’s not at 100%, but he’s tough and working hard to get back. Proud of the way that that he’s battled this year to get back on the field.”

Trey Knox current ranks second on the team in receiving, so his contributions have been felt when he’s been available.

The former Arkansas transfer has logged 32 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns, putting together a nice season as a transfer on an otherwise struggling squad.

He’ll look to cap the year on a strong note. But there’s no doubt the impact he’s had for South Carolina, which desperately needed him after losing tight end Jaheim Bell to the transfer portal.

“Our tight end room was basically non-existent coming out of the season because of graduation, transfers, whatever it might be,” Beamer said. “We knew we needed to get some experience in that room, so we brought Trey in, we brought Josh Simon in from Western Kentucky to bring leadership and experience. Those guys have been great.”

South Carolina still has a chance at bowl eligibility, needing wins in both of the final two games of the season, against Kentucky and Clemson.

That would be a big deal for the program after a tough season.

With Trey Knox healthy again, he can add a lot to the offense and help the Gamecocks toward that goal.

“Trey has played a lot of football in the SEC and has done it at a high level,” Beamer said. “The fact that he has a wide receiver background has been good for us. He knows how to get open and Spencer (Rattler) has a lot of trust in him. He’s also done a great job and has improved his blocking as well.”

South Carolina and Kentucky will meet at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday with a broadcast on the SEC Network.