Mark Stoops updates critical injury ahead of South Carolina football matchup

One of the key games on the 2024 South Carolina football schedule is coming up this weekend as the Gamecocks take on the Kentucky Wildcats on the road in Lexington.

The game could serve as a tipping point for whichever squad emerges victorious. Both USC and UK will have a tough road to bowl eligibility if they fail to start off 2-0. Carolina knocked off Old Dominion last weekend, and Kentucky beat Southern Miss, so both teams are 1-0 heading into the weekend battle at Commonwealth Stadium.

In games that are expected to be close, injuries can be a major storyline, and that is the case for South Carolina-Kentucky.

During his weekly radio show on Monday night, UK head coach Mark Stoops revealed that his team's expected top running back, Ohio State Buckeyes transfer Chip Trayanum, would remain out for this weekend's game against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

During preseason practice in August, Trayanum broke his hand, and the expectation was that he definitely would miss the Wildcats' first game and that he could miss week 2, as well. Now, it is official.

During Trayanum's absence for the season opener, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye led the 'Cats in rushing attempts and yards (8 carries for 59 yards) and should be the team's go-to back again on Saturday. However, Jason Patterson should get some running back reps, and starting quarterback Brock Vandagriff and dynamic wide receiver Barion Brown could be factors in the ground game, too.

The Gamecocks are dealing with a few injuries to their roster, as well, but South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer likely won't provide too many specific updates until the league-mandated injury report surfaces on Wednesday. Even then, updates can be made to the report on Thursday, Friday, and then 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday, so it is unclear what fans might learn about the Gamecocks' team health until Saturday.