South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was hoping the bye week would help his offensive line heal up — but instead, the Gamecocks are heading into Baton Rouge short-handed once again.
During his Thursday night call-in show, Beamer revealed that Cason Henry, Nolan Hay, and Markee Anderson will all miss Saturday’s matchup against No. 11 LSU, giving an early look at what the upcoming official SEC availability report will confirm later tonight.
“Unfortunately, those guys aren’t going to be able to go,” Beamer said. “We were optimistic after Kentucky, but they’re still not ready.”
Key Defensive Players Trending Up
While the Gamecocks’ offensive front remains banged up, the defense is getting healthier. Cornerbacks Judge Collier and Myles Norwood, along with defensive tackle Troy Pikes, were all listed as questionable earlier in the week. However, Beamer said Thursday he expects all three to be available against LSU.
That’s especially good news for Collier, who recently returned after missing most of the season due to a knee injury. He played 18 snaps against Kentucky as the staff eased him back into action.
Injury Rollercoaster for Henry and Hay
Both Henry and Hay have battled lingering issues throughout the season. Henry injured his shoulder early in the Vanderbilt game, attempted a comeback against Missouri, but left again after just one play. Hay, who made his first career start against Missouri, exited that same game with a knee injury and hasn’t returned since.
Beamer had been hopeful during the bye that both linemen would be ready, but it wasn’t to be. “They’ve been working hard, but we’re not going to rush them back,” he noted.
SEC’s New Injury Reporting Rules
The SEC’s player availability system, which was implemented last season, requires schools to submit reports three days before each football game — with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes before kickoff.
Players are categorized as available, probable, doubtful, or questionable before game day, then as available, game-time decision, or out on game day. The process mirrors the NFL’s injury reporting model, with penalties ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for late or inaccurate submissions.
The next update on South Carolina’s roster will be released Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by another on Friday, and the final official report just before kickoff.
What’s Next
The Gamecocks (3-2) will try to regroup as they travel to Tiger Stadium for a primetime showdown with LSU. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, as South Carolina looks to overcome its injury setbacks and pull off a major road upset.
