There was a mixed bag of news for South Carolina on Wednesday night as the SEC released its first official player availability report ahead of this weekend’s matchup with Oklahoma.
The bad news: key offensive linemen Cason Henry, Shed Sarratt Jr., and Nolan Hay were all listed as doubtful for Saturday’s clash. Meanwhile, Markee Anderson and defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy were both listed as questionable, leaving uncertainty across both lines of scrimmage.
The good news: standout defensive back Brandon Cisse — arguably South Carolina’s most impactful defender through six games — is probable to play. His potential return brings a major boost to a Gamecock defense that’s been stretched thin in recent weeks.
Sarratt’s ankle injury came during Matthew Fuller’s 72-yard touchdown run at LSU, the Gamecocks’ only lead of the night. As teammates celebrated, Sarratt remained on the turf, eventually helped off by trainers and later seen on crutches.
Cisse also suffered a scare after a knee injury early in the second quarter, prompting concern from Shane Beamer and several teammates who gathered around as trainers attended to him. Though he later walked off with assistance, he was seen wearing a brace on his left leg after the game.
Both Henry and Hay have been battling injuries since earlier in the season. Henry injured his shoulder during the Vanderbilt game, returned briefly against Missouri, but was forced out after just one play. Hay, who made his first start versus Missouri, exited that same game with a knee injury.
“I hate that for them and for us, but hopefully we can get those guys back soon,” Beamer said during his weekly call-in show. He added on Henry: “Hopefully it won’t be long term. He did some tests this week, and we’re still waiting to hear back on the plan of attack for him.”
The SEC’s new injury reporting system, approved last season, requires schools to submit three reports leading up to each game — on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — with a final update 90 minutes before kickoff. The process mirrors the NFL’s injury designations, marking players as available, probable, doubtful, or questionable before game day.
South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 SEC) will look to rebound when they host No. 5 Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday, October 18, at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
✅ Key Takeaway: While the Gamecocks’ offensive line remains battered, the potential return of Brandon Cisse offers a glimmer of hope as South Carolina braces for one of its toughest tests yet.
