COLUMBIA — South Carolina returns to Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a crucial SEC showdown against No. 14 Oklahoma, and the latest injury update brings both good news and some setbacks for the Gamecocks.
With about 90 minutes remaining before kickoff (12:45 p.m., SECN), the final SEC availability report has been released — and one key defensive starter will be back in action.
Defensive back Brandon Cisse, who was listed as probable throughout the week, is cleared to play after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter of last week’s loss to LSU. Head coach Shane Beamer said earlier this week that Cisse had practiced with the hope of being ready to go.
“He practiced during the week and we were optimistic,” Beamer noted. “It looks like he’ll be good to go.”
While Cisse’s return bolsters the secondary, the Gamecocks will still be without four players: wide receiver Brian Rowe, offensive linemen Nolan Hay and Cason Henry, and defensive lineman Davonte Miles, all of whom are listed as out.
There’s also a game-time decision on the offensive line. Jatavius Shivers, who was questionable on Friday, remains uncertain for the matchup. He was spotted during Gamecock Walk wearing a club on his right hand, suggesting he’ll be limited if he does play.
A few other players who appeared on earlier injury lists — Shed Sarratt, Markee Anderson, and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy — have since been cleared and will be available.
On the Oklahoma side, the Sooners enter with a lengthy injury list. Running back Jovantae Barnes, wide receiver Keontez Lewis, defensive back Kendel Dolby, tight end Kade McIntyre, and offensive linemen Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton, and Jake Taylor are all ruled out.
The most notable absence for the Sooners is Keontez Lewis, who ranks fourth on the team in receiving with 19 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns this season.
This round of updates comes as part of the SEC’s new player availability report system, introduced last season for football, basketball, and baseball. Under the rule, each school must submit a preliminary report three days before each football game, with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes before kickoff.
For basketball and baseball, reports are filed the night before, with one final update on game day.
Players are categorized as available, probable, doubtful, or questionable leading up to the game — and then as available, game-time decision, or out once the final report is issued.
The model closely mirrors the NFL-style injury reporting system, aiming to increase transparency and consistency across the SEC.
