South Carolina Gets Encouraging Injury Update Ahead of Mississippi State Clash / sportsearchers.com

South Carolina is heading into its first SEC game of the 2026 season with a significant development on the injury front. After missing the entire spring and preseason practice periods, Dylan Stewart and Jacarrius Peak are now listed as probable for the Gamecocks’ matchup with undefeated Mississippi State.

The development is particularly notable because both players had been dealing with injuries that kept them out for an extended period. Stewart, an important piece of South Carolina’s defensive front, has been recovering from a back injury, while Peak has been working his way back from a knee injury.

Both players were considered doubtful for South Carolina’s Week 2 meeting with Towson. At that time, the expectation was that neither would be ready to return immediately. However, there was optimism that their status could change as they continued their rehabilitation.

That optimism now appears to be reflected in South Carolina’s first SEC availability report.

Stewart and Peak Listed as Probable

The biggest news for the Gamecocks is the status of edge rusher Dylan Stewart and offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak, both of whom are officially listed as probable.

Stewart’s potential return could provide South Carolina with additional depth and experience along the defensive line as the Gamecocks prepare to face Mississippi State. Peak’s status is equally important on the offensive side, where his return could give the team another experienced option up front.

The timing is significant because South Carolina enters the matchup at 2-0, while Mississippi State also comes into the contest undefeated at 2-0. With conference play beginning, the availability of key players becomes even more important.

Earlier, the expectation surrounding Stewart and Peak was cautiously optimistic. The previous update included the comment, “(I’m) optimistic what that injury report is going to say next week.” The latest report suggests that optimism has translated into tangible progress.

Carter Miller Remains Questionable

While Stewart and Peak received encouraging designations, South Carolina still has uncertainty elsewhere on the roster.

Offensive lineman Carter Miller is listed as questionable, meaning his availability for the Mississippi State game remains unresolved. His status will be one to monitor as kickoff approaches.

The Gamecocks also have several players who have already been ruled out.

Five Players Listed as Out

South Carolina’s current report lists quarterback Lucian Anderson III, defensive back Jalewis Solomon, wide receiver Jayden Sellers, linebacker AJ Holloway and offensive lineman Josiah Thompson as out.

Their absences mean South Carolina will have to rely on its available depth as it transitions into SEC competition.

The conference’s availability-report system also provides a clearer picture of player statuses during league play. SEC teams are required to submit an availability report on Wednesday before each conference game and then update it daily. That process gives teams and fans increasingly detailed information as game day approaches.

For South Carolina, the first report of the season brings a mixture of good news and remaining questions. Stewart and Peak moving into the probable category is the headline development, while Miller’s status remains uncertain and five players are currently ruled out.

Most importantly, the report indicates that two players who missed spring and preseason work have made meaningful progress at precisely the point when South Carolina begins the most demanding portion of its schedule.

With both South Carolina and Mississippi State entering at 2-0, the availability of key contributors could become an important storyline ahead of their SEC opener.