South Carolina’s injury troubles continued to pile up after Saturday’s 24-10 loss to LSU, as head coach Shane Beamer revealed updates on four key players — offensive linemen Shed Sarratt, Cason Henry, Nolan Hay, and defensive back Brandon Cisse — during his Sunday teleconference.
“Injury-wise, those guys that left, we’ll have a better idea as the week goes on; they’re getting some testing done today,” Beamer said. “Obviously, Shed and Brandon were the two from last night, and then Nolan Hay and Cason Henry. I’d say all those guys are questionable, probably at best, as we sit here today.”
The Gamecocks entered Death Valley already short-handed, with Henry and Hay both sidelined due to previous injuries. Things went from bad to worse in the first half against LSU, as Sarratt and Cisse were both forced to leave the game and did not return.
Sarratt suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter during Matthew Fuller’s 72-yard touchdown run — South Carolina’s lone score of the night. As the team celebrated, Sarratt remained on the ground in visible pain before being attended to by trainers. He was later seen on crutches.
Cisse’s night ended early in the second quarter with a knee injury that required several minutes of on-field attention. Beamer and multiple teammates checked in as Cisse was eventually helped off the field, later spotted with a brace around his left leg.
Meanwhile, both Henry and Hay were expected to return from injuries that kept them out against Kentucky, but neither was able to suit up versus LSU. Henry initially hurt his shoulder during the Vanderbilt game, briefly returned against Missouri, and exited after just one play. Hay, who made his first career start against Missouri, went down with a knee issue in that same game.
“I hate that for them and for us, but hopefully we can get those guys back soon,” Beamer said Thursday on his call-in show.
“Hopefully it won’t be long-term,” he added regarding Henry. “He did some tests this week and we’re still waiting to hear back the plan of attack for him, but hopefully it won’t be long-term.”
Beamer is expected to provide another update during his Tuesday press conference, though more definitive injury information will likely come via the SEC Availability Report on Wednesday.
The Gamecocks (3-3, 1-3 SEC) now turn their focus to hosting the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, Oct. 18, with kickoff set for 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
