South Carolina received a boost Friday evening as starting quarterback LaNorris Sellers was officially cleared to play.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup at Missouri, the Gamecocks will also have two more contributors back in action.
The SEC released its final availability report 90 minutes before kickoff at Faurot Field (7 p.m., ESPN). Along with Sellers, senior defensive back DQ Smith and sophomore wide receiver Mazeo Bennett are set to play against the Tigers.
Bennett and Sellers were initially listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report. By Thursday, both were upgraded to probable, with Smith also joining the list. On Friday, only Bennett and Smith were still considered probable, but all three will now suit up Saturday.
South Carolina will be missing two players: sophomore tight end Michael Smith and junior defensive back Judge Collier, both ruled out.
Missouri enters the game shorthanded as well. Starting left tackle Cayden Green was declared out on Friday, while quarterback Sam Horn, kicker Blake Craig, and guard Logan Reichert remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
The availability report system is relatively new in the SEC, approved last season for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball.
Under the policy, schools must submit reports three days before football games, followed by daily updates and a final release 90 minutes before kickoff. For basketball and baseball, reports are filed the night before and updated on game day.
The SEC states that penalties for inaccurate or late submissions range from $25,000 to $100,000 in football, and $15,000 to $25,000 in basketball and baseball.
Player status designations mirror the NFL’s model. Leading up to game day, athletes may be listed as available, probable, doubtful, or questionable. On game day, they are categorized as available, game-time decision, or out.
