South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer offered some positive injury updates this week ahead of the Gamecocks’ high-stakes showdown with Alabama.
On Wednesday, the SEC released its first official player availability report, confirming that most of the players who missed all or part of the Oklahoma game are expected to be ready for action.
EDGE Dylan Stewart, who exited last weekend’s matchup with a hip injury, was not listed on the report — a strong indication that he’ll be available against the Crimson Tide.
Offensive linemen Shed Sarratt Jr., Nick Sharpe, Trovon Baugh, and Tree Babalade, all of whom were sidelined or injured against Oklahoma, have also been cleared to play. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Jatavius Shivers is listed as questionable, and center Nolan Hay along with defensive tackle Monkell Goodwine are probable for Saturday’s game.
However, Cason Henry remains out for the season with a shoulder injury — a blow Beamer confirmed during his weekly press conference.
“Should all be good,” Beamer said Tuesday. “I think everybody will be back and healthy this week except Cason Henry. He’ll be out — I don’t think he’ll return this season. But everybody else was back out there and practicing today.”
Stewart’s return is especially encouraging after he briefly re-entered the Oklahoma game before exiting again for good. Henry, on the other hand, has been sidelined since reinjuring his shoulder during the Missouri game after attempting a comeback from the Vanderbilt matchup.
Sarratt injured his ankle early in the LSU game but was available last weekend, though he didn’t play. Hay started his first career game against Missouri before going down with a knee issue, but Beamer confirmed he’s back in practice.
“Tro was at practice today,” Beamer noted. “Nick Sharpe was at practice today. Tree practiced today. Nolan Hay practiced today. Yes, every offensive lineman except for Cason, that has played in games, practiced today.”
Additionally, wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr., EDGE Anthony Addison, and defensive tackle Davonte Miles, who were all suspended for the Oklahoma game, will return this week.
The SEC will release more availability updates Thursday and Friday, followed by a final report 90 minutes before kickoff. Beamer is also expected to discuss player status on his Thursday night call-in show.
This new injury reporting system — adopted last season by the SEC — mirrors the NFL’s model, categorizing players as available, probable, doubtful, or questionable before game day, and as available, game-time decision, or out on game day itself.
The Gamecocks will host No. 4 Alabama at Williams-Brice Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
