Thursday update on DQ Smith, Josiah Thompson after new availability report released

After Wednesday’s SEC player availability report revealed that South Carolina senior defensive lineman DeAndre Jules will return to action this week against Missouri, Thursday’s update added that safety DQ Smith would be back in action this week too.

Left tackle Josiah Thompson is probable. EDGE Gilber Edmond has been downgraded from doubtful to out. Defensive lineman Nick Barrett, running back Matt Fuller, and offensive lineman Jakai Moore have already been ruled out for the game.

“I think (the health of the team is) pretty good,” Beamer said Thursday during his call-in show, before the official report was released. “I would say that’s pretty accurate, what was released last night. Jules is available for Saturday; he’ll be able to play. I would say Gilber Edmond would still be doubtful. Fuller is out. And DQ Smith and Josiah, they both were at practice today and did some stuff, and feel like they both will be available for Saturday as well.”

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Smith was injured in pregame warmups last week against Vanderbilt and was replaced by Peyton Williams, who turned in one of the highest-graded performances on the Gamecocks’ defense, according to PFF.

Thompson exited the game and did not return for the second half, though sophomore Tree Babalade played well in his stead and was named a player of the game by the staff.

“Regardless of Josiah’s health, Tree came in and did some good things and we certainly need to keep him rolling,” Beamer said Tuesday. “If Josiah is able to play, he’s not going to be 100 percent, and Tree was a starter last year for however many games, 10 or 11 games last season, so we’ve got full confidence in him and feel good about both of those guys being in the game. They’ve both done some really good things for us. I’m proud of Tree and the way that he played when he came in last week.”

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook is still listed as doubtful for the game while wide receiver Mookie Cooper is out.

Cook was injured two games ago against Alabama and missed the Tigers’ narrow win over Oklahoma last week. If Cook can’t go, then backup Drew Pyne will once again start this week against the Gamecocks.

In other Missouri injury news, it was announced earlier this week that talented Tigers center Connor Tollison is out for the season.

The Gamecocks have remained relatively healthy this season but dealt with a wealth of bumps and bruises at Vanderbilt on Saturday.

South Carolina EDGEs Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart and defensive tackles T.J. Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Boogie Huntley all exited Saturday’s game with injuries at various times but each was able to finish the contest and none of that group is listed on Wednesday’s report.

Wide receiver Mazeo Bennett returned to action against the Commodores after leaving the A&M game early with an upper body injury though he was limited to just nine snaps this week, according to PFF.

Linebacker Mo Kaba missed the Vanderbilt game but will be available for Missouri.

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The next official player availability report will come out Friday at around 8 p.m.

The SEC recently approved a player availability injury report system for football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.

SEC school personnel must submit availability reports three days before each football game, with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes before game time. For basketball and baseball, reports are filed the night before, with an update on game day.

When schools submit injury reports, players will be designated as available, probable, doubtful, and questionable before game day. On game day, designations will be available, game-time decision or out. The model follows injury reports similar to the NFL.

The Gamecocks and Tigers are set for a 4:15 p.m. kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium this Saturday with the SEC Network carrying the action.

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