Shane Beamer updates injury status of multiple South Carolina players

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer provided a number of injury updates ahead of a Week 8 road matchup against Missouri. Beamer began by revealing that running back Mario Anderson practiced on Tuesday and should be “fine” to play against the Tigers.

Anderson has led the Gamecocks backfield with 328 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns this season, so that’s certainly good news. He had 20 carries for 98 yards and caught a touchdown this past week against Florida, but suffered an ankle injury in that game.

Moving on, Beamer said that linebacker Stone Blanton is questionable after suffering a high thigh bruise against the Gators. The coach didn’t say much more on how Blanton is doing, but freshman Grayson Howard would be expected to step in if he is out.

The status wasn’t quite as promising on starting right tackle Vershon Lee, whom Beamer declared doubtful. The offensive lineman left last week’s game with a knee injury and did not return.

The coach added that Lee is “doing everything in his power” to play, but right now he’s trending toward sitting out.

“Disappointing that Vershon’s not able to go,” he said. “Seems like it’s just one step forward, two steps back from the offensive line standpoint. If he is out this week, hopefully he won’t be out too long. He’s doing everything in his power to get back this week.”

Lee has started all six games this season and is the most experienced player on the offensive line, so it would be a big blow if he is unable to go. Unfortunately, he isn’t the only member up front that will likely miss Saturday’s contest.

Offensive tackle Cason Henry suffered an injury in the opening week against North Carolina and has not played since. Beamer revealed that “probably” won’t change this week, but the offensive lineman did return to practice on Tuesday and is making progress toward a return.

“Then Cason Henry continues to make progress,” the coach said. “Probably won’t be able to go this week but he did get out there and practice today and do a little bit. Getting closer and trying to get as healthy as we can.”

South Carolina is coming off of back-to-back losses and will hope for good news on the injury front at it aims snap the streak. Kickoff between the Gamecocks and Missouri is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.