Played One minute, Tac’s Injury Update: South Carolina Forward Foot Injury / sportsearchers.com

The latest update is encouraging for South Carolina fans: Adhel Tac has already returned to the court. After missing the final stretch of the 2025–26 season with a left-foot injury, the Gamecocks forward made her 2026–27 season debut against North Carolina on November 8, 2026. That means the question is no longer just when she might resume practicing — she has progressed far enough to appear in a game.

What happened with Tac’s injury?

Tac’s injury dates back to February 5, 2026, when she played against Mississippi State before being sidelined for the remainder of the season. Initial reporting described it as a lower-leg injury, but Tac later clarified in an interview that it was a stress reaction in her left foot, not a stress fracture.

In that April interview, she explained that the injury had appeared unexpectedly and that the medical team had been working through the best way to treat it. She also said she was staying involved by helping with scouting, workouts and practice activities.

Her return to practice and game action

Tac’s recovery progressed during the offseason. On September 21, she was included in one of the lineups observed during South Carolina’s first official practice. That was an encouraging sign, although the report did not establish that she had returned to unrestricted, full-contact practice.

The biggest development came on November 8 against North Carolina. Tac entered the game off the bench and played one minute, recording a steal in South Carolina’s 84–39 victory. It was a brief appearance, but it marked her return to competitive action after months away.

When could she return to regular practice?

There is no publicly confirmed date from Dawn Staley or the South Carolina program announcing when Tac will resume unrestricted practice or receive a larger role.

However, her September practice involvement and November game appearance suggest that she has already moved beyond the earliest stages of rehabilitation. The next step will likely involve building consistency and confidence in basketball activities, while the coaching and medical staff determine how quickly her workload can increase.

It is important not to interpret her one-minute appearance as confirmation that she is fully cleared for a normal workload.

What Tac could bring to the Gamecocks

At 6-foot-5, Tac gives South Carolina another option in the frontcourt. Before her injury, she averaged 3.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game during the 2025–26 season. She also recorded her first career double-double against Queens.

Her presence could give the Gamecocks additional depth around the basket, particularly with the demands of a challenging schedule ahead. Her ability to contribute defensively and provide another physical option in the paint could become valuable as she works toward a larger role.

Final Takeaway

Adhel Tac’s recovery has reached an important milestone. After a left-foot stress reaction ended her previous season in February, she worked through rehabilitation, returned to practice activities and made her 2026–27 debut against North Carolina on November 8.

The encouraging news is that Tac is back in game action. What remains unknown is when she will be ready for full practice participation and a regular rotation role. South Carolina has not announced a specific timetable, so her progress in the coming games will be worth monitoring.