Thanks to new SEC rules, conference matchups in the Southeastern Conference now require "availability reports" (basically injury reports) that will be released three days ahead of a game and updated each day until a final update 90 minutes before kickoff. That meant that Wednesday was the day for South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer to let Gamecock fans and media know the latest on his team ahead of the team's Saturday matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Due to injuries suffered this offseason, Zahbari Sandy is out for the season with a torn ACL, and offensive linemen Jakai Moore and Aaryn Parks are expected to miss significant time with injuries.
Bryan Thomas, Jr., Elijah Davis, and Emory Floyd did not play against Old Dominion with undisclosed ailments, and players like Gage Larvadain and Dalevon Campbell are believed to have played while dealing with minor issues.
On Saturday against the Monarchs, several South Carolina football players were banged up as receivers Vandrevius Jacobs, Nyck Harbor, and Jared Brown all left the game at one point (Brown did not return), quarterback LaNorris Sellers and left tackle Josiah Thompson each walked off gingerly but quickly returned to action, and defenders Dylan Stewart and Boogie Huntley were slow to get up more than once but did not sit out any meaningful snaps.
When the Wednesday availability report dropped, it looked a little different than expected. There was no mention of Sandy or Parks (though, both players are out), and only Jakai Moore was designated as being out this week. Emory Floyd was noted as doubtful, and the trio of Gilber Edmond, Bangally Kamara, and David Spaulding were all questionable. Bryan Thomas, Jr. is probable, meaning he is the most likely of the crew to play this weekend in Lexington.
Mark Stoops' Kentucky availability report was longer, and that will be something covered as kickoff grows nearer.
Because the report will be updated over the next three days, things can change, but for the first time in the history of the South Carolina football program, the Gamecocks have an official league-sanctioned availability report.