COLUMBIA — South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer confirmed Thursday during Carolina Calls that offensive lineman Cason Henry will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery next week.
Beamer had already hinted earlier in the week that Henry was likely done for the year.
“(I) don’t think he’ll return this season,” Beamer said. “He’s certainly not playing this Saturday, but everybody else was back out there practicing today.”
While Henry’s year has come to an unfortunate end, Beamer offered a bit of positive news — freshman Dylan Stewart (hip) and several other injured Gamecocks are expected to be available for this weekend’s game.
Henry, who started every game at right tackle in 2023, entered this season as one of South Carolina’s top offensive linemen and opened the first four contests before suffering a shoulder injury on the first play against Missouri in late September. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound redshirt junior, known for his leadership and pro potential, hasn’t played since.
“He’s doing OK,” Beamer said. “That’s one of the leaders on our offensive line. I hate it for him. He’s frustrated — a dislocated shoulder on the very first play of the Missouri game. From Cason’s standpoint, he just wants to get it fixed and be able to be healthy. He hasn’t been able to do that a lot during his time here. He’s frustrated but in good spirits, and just eager to get well and play.”
The Gamecocks (3-4) will now move forward without one of their most experienced linemen as they prepare to host No. 4 Alabama on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. inside Williams-Brice Stadium.
