Beamer gives encouraging injury report headed into Tennessee week

The South Carolina football team left the 23-14 win over Troy on Saturday evening fairly healthy. Few new issues cropped up after the nonconference victory at Williams-Brice Stadium, and the news was positive on Sunday evening when head coach Shane Beamer met with reporters on his teleconference.

The Gamecocks should have the vast majority of their players available this coming weekend against Tennessee.

“Everybody should be fairly decent,” Beamer said. “Health wise, we’re in pretty good shape.”

South Carolina was down three players in the secondary in the second half on Saturday night with two being due to injury. R.J. Roderick was disqualified for a targeting penalty, but cornerback Cam Smith and nickel Carlins Platel both had injuries. Roderick will miss the first half against the Volunteers.

Smith had a blow to the head in the first half against the Trojans and didn’t play in the second half as a precaution. Platel, even though he was suited up, did not play with a leg bruise. Both should be ready to go against the Volunteers.

“Cam Smith had a little bit of a hit to the head and we held him out as a precaution, and he should be fine this week,” Beamer said. “Carlins Platel, he didn’t play because of a leg bruise, and he should be back.”

Starting left guard Jaylan Nichols did not suit up for the game due to an ankle injury. Beamer continues to give a positive public report.

“Jaylen Nichols has a bit of an ankle,” Beamer said. “We’re hopeful that he’ll be back.”

The only injury that Beamer didn’t report following the game on Saturday night came to receiver Ahmarean Brown, but he should be fine this week.

“The only thing really new from yesterday was Ahmarean Brown has a bit of a wrist sprain that affects his ability to catch the ball,” Beamer said. “He was out at practice tonight and looked fine.”

South Carolina will take on Tennessee this Saturday at Neyland Stadium with kickoff set for noon and coverage on ESPN2.