Wednesday update on South Carolina injuries, Missouri QB Brady Cook

South Carolina is slated to get DeAndre Jules back in its defensive line rotation this week against Missouri after the senior transfer missed the last three games with an injury.

Head coach Shane Beamer expressed optimism Tuesday that most of his team would be available for this weekend’s SEC finale against Missouri and Jules was not listed on Wednesday’s SEC player availability report for the game, meaning he is slated to return to action.

Safety DQ Smith and left tackle Josiah Thompson are both listed as probable for the game.

Senior offensive lineman Jakai Moore, who has missed the entire season, is once again out. As are running back Matt Fuller and defensive tackle Nick Barrett.

EDGE Gilber Edmond is listed as doubtful with an undisclosed injury.

“We’re optimistic on all of those guys that weren’t able to finish the Vanderbilt game,” Beamer said. “Optimistic that we’ll be able to get DeAndre Jules back this week as well.”

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Missouri quarterback Brady Cook is listed as doubtful for the game.

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.

Starting safety DQ Smith was injured in pregame warmups and was replaced by Peyton Williams, who turned in one of the highest-graded performances on the Gamecocks’ defense.

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.”

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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Beamer will likely give another injury report on Thursday during his call-in show at 6 p.m. and then a second player availability report will come out late that night 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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