Friday update on status of Josiah Thompson, Brady Cook

South Carolina freshman left tackle Josiah Thompson has been upgraded from probable to available for Saturday’s SEC finale with Missouri.

Thompson was not listed on the SEC’s Friday update to the Gamecocks player availability report meaning he’ll be available to play Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook, who missed the Tigers’ last game after suffering an injury against Alabama, is still doubtful as of Friday night’s update.

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Gamecocks EDGE Gilber Edmond, defensive lineman Nick Barrett, running back Matt Fuller, and offensive lineman Jakai Moore had already been ruled out for the game.

South Carolina is set to get safety DQ Smith and defensive tackle DeAndre Jules back this week as well.

Even with Thompson’s return to action, head coach Shane Beamer didn’t rule out the possibility of Tree Babalade playing this week after the sophomore stepped in for Thompson and played well for the second half of last week’s win over Vanderbilt.

“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.”

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. Wide receiver Mookie Cooper is also out for the game.

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.

Jules is set to return after missing the last three games.

The Gamecocks have remained relatively healthy this season but dealt with a wealth of bumps and bruises at Vanderbilt last 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 all are available this week.

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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One final availability report will be released 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday, so 2:45 p.m. for this game.

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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