Steve Spurrier says RB Mike Davis is 'doubtful' for East Carolina game
After Thursday’s season-opening beatdown at the hands of Texas A&M, South Carolina will look to get back on track against East Carolina on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, star running back Mike Davis might not be able to go due to a lingering rib injury.
Per GamecockCentral.com, head coach Steve Spurrier said Sunday that Davis, who carried the ball just six times and did not see a second-half carry against the Aggies, is doubtful for Saturday night’s game and won’t practice for the next few days.
Spurrier characterized the injury as “a bad bruised rib” that is “painful for him.” Brandon Wilds will likely start in Davis’ place, while Shon Carson and redshirt freshman David Williams also could be in line for some touches. Wilds had 45 rushing yards on nine carries Thursday and Carson carried the ball once for just two yards.
Williams, a well-regarded redshirt freshman, did not play Thursday night. Spurrier thinks that will change Saturday.
“David needs to play a little bit. He’s a good-sized and he needs to carry the ball some,” Spurrier said, per The State. “Hopefully, we can block and make some holes for our running backs. David Williams will probably get some carries.”
Davis first suffered the rib injury in mid-August and Spurrier was concerned about his status heading into the A&M game. Davis, a junior, ran for 1,183 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Though East Carolina is one of the better teams in the AAC, it wouldn’t be surprising for Davis to be held out of Saturday’s game, especially when the Gamecocks face Georgia the following week.
For more South Carolina news, visit GamecockCentral.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
