South Carolina Football: Gamecock linebacker’s injury update is not good news

South Carolina football endured a number of injuries during its 31-17 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday. Likely the most severe of these injuries was suffered by redshirt junior linebacker Mo Kaba.

Early in the contest against UNC, Kaba hobbled off of the field after a kickoff, visibly favoring his leg and showing some understandable emotion. He did not return to game action.

On Tuesday, the news that had been expected was officially released: Mo Kaba will be out for the rest of the season with another knee injury.

During his Sunday teleconference, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer hinted at the severity of Kaba’s injury by saying that “out of respect” for Kaba, he would wait to announce his injury at a later time.

Kaba has had two different ACL tears in his career up to this point, including one to his right knee that he suffered in the Gamecocks’ 2022 game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kaba’s exact diagnosis has not been released, but the new ailment is to his left knee, the opposite knee from last season’s injury.

Kaba was an All-SEC Freshman team member in 2020 and was included on several preseason All-SEC ballots this season.

Several other Gamecocks were injured on Saturday, as well.

Receiver Juice Wells re-aggravated a foot injury that he has been dealing with this offseason and is questionable moving forward.

Fellow receiver Ahmarean Brown is probable for the Furman game this weekend after an undisclosed injury kept him from finishing the game against UNC.

Safety Nick Emmanwori left the contest with a hamstring issue and is considered questionable for week 2.

Offensive lineman Cason Henry appeared to hurt his knee and has been ruled out “for a while” according to Beamer.

Defensive back David Spaulding left the game but is not listed on this week’s injury report.

One of the stars of Saturday’s game, receiver Xavier Legette, left the game multiple times but returned each time and has not been included on the Furman week injury report.