The South Carolina Gamecocks get a much-needed breather at a good time, as they have several players still recovering from injury. Former and oft-injured cornerback Akeem Auguste will guide you through who’s likely in and who’s out for the Gamecocks next Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Zero Augustes - Full go!
One Augustes - Should play, but won't start
Two Augustes - Game-time decision
Three Augustes - Questionable
Four Augustes - Unlikely
Five Augustes - Out
Zack Bailey, Cory Helms, and Malik Young — Zero Augustes
The three offensive linemen have been dealing with stubborn ankle sprains for weeks. Bailey and Helms traveled to Knoxville last Saturday but did not play, while Young stayed behind in Columbia, as his injury is the most recent. Bailey was thought to be well down the road to recovery, so it was a bit surprising he never made it onto the field against Tennessee. Nonetheless, coach Will Muschamp is optimistic about the health of all three players moving forward.
Rico Dowdle — Five Augustes
Another tough blow for Dowdle and the Gamecocks’ offense, the starting running back fractured his fibula in the same fashion as Deebo Samuel and K.C. Crosby. (Seriously, what’s the deal?) He underwent successful surgery earlier this week, and Muschamp alluded to the possibility of his availability for a bowl game.
We’ll see how things are going after the open date, especially with Samuel, who hasn’t been officially ruled out for the season yet. So far, though, it’s looking like a well-timed break for the Gamecocks.