Beamer Provides Injury Updates on Collins and Murphy After Alabama Blowout
South Carolina fell to 2-2 on the season (0-2 SEC) following a 49-18 blowout loss to No. 8 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but the bigger story postgame centered on a scary injury to senior defensive tackle Kelby Collins.
Collins’ Eye Injury
Collins left the game early, playing just seven snaps against Alabama according to Pro Football Focus, after suffering a significant eye injury. He was transported to a local hospital in Tuscaloosa during the game for further evaluation. Beamer detailed the situation Sunday: “Kelby Collins had a significant injury during the game where he got really poked in the eye, but they were concerned that there was some more significant damage to his actual face. So he actually left and went to a local hospital in Tuscaloosa during the game to get some more work and tests done.”
Fortunately, initial testing came back clean, and Collins was able to travel home with the team: “Everything came back OK. He flew back with us last night and has a meeting with an ophthalmologist (Sunday). So hopefully he’ll be OK going forward.” The scheduled follow-up with a specialist suggests the coaching staff is taking a cautious, thorough approach given the sensitivity of eye-related injuries.
Murphy’s Limited Return
Fifth-year linebacker Shawn Murphy, who didn’t finish South Carolina’s Week 3 game against Mississippi State due to an undisclosed injury, was available against Alabama but saw very limited action — just one defensive snap. Beamer explained the decision to hold him back: “Shawn Murphy was available, but played one play. Didn’t think he was going to be able to go after that. Think he should be OK.”
Looking Ahead
With both players facing uncertain short-term availability — Collins pending his ophthalmologist visit and Murphy still working back from his own injury — South Carolina will need to monitor both situations closely as the team looks to regroup from back-to-back SEC losses and turn its attention to the next matchup on the schedule.
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