South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer provided an optimistic update on defensive line coach Travian Robertson, who continues to recover from injuries sustained in an August car accident. While he hasn’t returned to full coaching duties yet, Robertson has been making steady progress and was able to watch Tuesday’s practice from afar.
Robertson — a former South Carolina defensive lineman (2007–2011) — has served as the Gamecocks’ defensive line coach since 2023. The serious accident occurred on the morning of Aug. 22, just days before the season opener, leading to a two-week hospital stay.
“He was out at practice again today,” Beamer said. “He was actually standing on the balcony and watching practice today for the first time. Usually, he’s been sitting in a chair and couldn’t really stand, but he was standing over the railing today and watching practice, and I know he was out there the entire time.”
Beamer also shared that Robertson recently underwent another procedure as part of his recovery.
“He texted me a picture yesterday. I guess he had surgery yesterday where he got all the screws out,” Beamer revealed. “So he sent me a picture of all the screws that had been in his feet, which wasn’t the greatest thing I’ve ever seen when he sent me that one,” he joked. “But proud, glad he got the screws out, and I think he said maybe one more surgery. And then after that, he felt like he’d be on his feet and kind of moving forward at a fast pace, so optimistic that he’ll be back out there coaching soon.”
While there’s still no exact timeline for Robertson’s full return, Jordan Dove has continued to fill in for him during practices and games. Beamer emphasized that the staff’s top priority remains Robertson’s health and recovery, not rushing him back too soon.
“Everyone knows what this place means to him and how much it hurts him not to be here with us right now, but his health is the primary thing,” Beamer said. “He had some pretty serious stuff happen to him in that wreck. So, we’d ask for continued thoughts and prayers for he and his family.”
Despite the setback, Beamer made it clear that Robertson’s long-term outlook is positive.
“He is going to be okay. It’s nothing long-term,” Beamer reassured. “It’s just, physically, he’s not able to be down on the sidelines at a game right now.”
For now, Robertson will continue to observe practices from a distance as he heals, but his steady progress has the Gamecock community hopeful that he’ll be back on the field soon.
South Carolina returns to action this Saturday at home against No. 14 Oklahoma, and the team continues to carry Robertson’s spirit with them every step of the way.
