Beamer 'optimistic' about Lloyd, Beal-Smith returning
Gamecock football running back MarShawn Lloyd may be getting closer to returning to the field this week, according to Shane Beamer.
Speaking on his weekly Sunday night teleconference, South Carolina’s head coach said that both Lloyd and Christian Beal-Smith, who both missed the Florida game, have improved.
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Could those two be back on the field against the Tennessee Volunteers?
Said Beamer: “I’m optimistic. Both of those guys told me in meetings they felt better. CBS said he felt good. MarShawn told me today in the offensive meeting that he felt much, much better than what he felt on Thursday, when he wasn’t feeling well.”
Sunday night’s practice sessions are lighter for veteran players, meaning that Lloyd and Beal-Smith will both have a couple more days to rest and recover.
“They really didn’t do anything tonight, tomorrow is their off day. Then, we’ll see where they are on Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Beamer. “I’m certainly optimistic that both those guys will be able to go.”
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Two of South Carolina’s defensive backs – Darius Rush and Devonni Reed – were banged up in the Florida game.
Those are not expected to be long term injuries, according to Beamer.
“They’re both fine,” Beamer said. “They got a little banged up but both returned and were absolutely fine today.”
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Gamecock football has previously lost two defensive starters – EDGE Jordan Strachan and linebacker Mohamed Kaba – to season-ending injuries. Both Strachan and Kaba went down during the Arkansas game.
Wide receiver Chad Terrell has missed the 2023 campaign with an ACL injury. Nickel/safety David Spaulding injured his foot and is also out for the season after returning to play against Kentucky. Receiver Corey Rucker had season-ending foot surgery earlier this month.
Safety BJ Gibson also did not play against the Gators, missing the contest due to a hamstring injury.
USC opens as double-digit underdog to Tennessee
The Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4 SEC) lost 38-6 to Florida in Gainesville on Saturday night.
Tennessee bounced back from its loss to Georgia the previous week to improve to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in league play with a 66-24 victory over Missouri on Saturday.
The Vols have won the last three matchups with the Gamecocks, taking last year’s game 45-20 in Knoxville.
South Carolina’s last win in the series came in 2018 when the Gamecocks rallied from down 12 to win 27-24 in Columbia. At the time, it was Carolina’s third straight win in the series.
