Injuries Hurt South Carolina Gamecocks Before Opener

By Sanders Early | Sep 1, 2015

The injury bug is already taking its toll on the South Carolina Gamecocks before the opening game against the North Carolina Tarheels. No one expects an entire team to be healthy for an entire season. Injuries are simply a part of the game. That’s why coaches are expected to recruit and develop quality depth.

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No one expects proven, experienced players to be injured before the season opener though, especially when the coach has talked about the importance they will play during the season. That’s why it was rather alarming that Steve Spurrier said that Jerrell Adams hadn’t practiced in three days and may not be ready for the season opener, after previous reports stated he was expected to be ready.

Adams has been dealing with a hamstring injury that is still bothering him. “I doubt if Jerell will start now,” said Spurrier. “We’ll see how he feels on Thursday night. (The freshmen) are going to play the whole ball game on Thursday night, probably. And they’ll play their ass off. They’re good ones; they’re good players.”

While Adams is the biggest blow to the Gamecocks line up, Spurrier has also seen two of his wide receivers injured severely. The first is Shaq Davidson who tore a knee ligament during practice. “And he’s scheduled to have surgery on his other knee in about six weeks. It had been bothering him also,” Spurrier said. “He’ll have his second redshirt year this year.”

Nov 23, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) makes a reception against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY

Davidson wasn’t expected to make a huge impact this season, but would have likely gotten some playing time this season at receiver. Now, Davidson will focus on rehabbing both of his knees and getting ready to come back next season stronger than before.

The other wide receiver that was injured was Jerad Washington, who broke his left leg during practice Sunday night. Many expected Washington to miss the entire season, including Spurrier and wide receivers coach, Steve Spurrier Jr. The Head Ball Coach did say Monday night that there is a chance that he may not have to redshirt.

Despite the setbacks, the Gamecocks still remain relatively healthy heading into the opener on Thursday night. At this point, most fans will cross their fingers and hope that Jerell Adams will be in the lineup.

Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Tight End

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