South Carolina football injury report: Three players ruled out for Week 1 vs. North Carolina
COLUMBIA — South Carolina football will be without potential starting edge rusher Jatius Geer and two reserve players in this week's game against North Carolina, coach Shane Beamer announced on his "Carolina Calls" radio show Thursday.
Geer, who is from Anderson, transferred to South Carolina as a redshirt sophomore after two seasons at Syracuse. He started 13 games for the Orange in 2022, logging 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, and finishing second on the team in quarterback hurries with six. Geer was touted as a dominant pass rusher during preseason and was listed as the starting option on the Week 1 depth chart.
The Gamecocks also will be without senior linebacker Bam Martin-Scott and freshman tight end Connor Cox for their matchup with the Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday (7:30 p.m., ABC). Martin-Scott appeared in all 13 games last season, recording 16 tackles, three pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. Cox was a three-star prospect and the No. 33 tight end in the Class of 2023.
South Carolina listed six possible edge starters, but losing Geer is significant because of the room's other health concerns. Terrell Dawkins and Tyreek Johnson both spent time in non-contact jerseys during preseason practice, and Jordan Strachan is recently recovered from an ACL tear suffered in Week 2 last season.
Geer's absence likely will mean more reps for the less experienced players on the depth chart, sophomore Bryan Thomas Jr. and freshman Desmond Umeozulu.
Beamer also reaffirmed his report from Tuesday that star wide receiver Antwane "Juice" Wells and five-star freshman Nyckoles Harbor both will be fully available Saturday after grappling with injuries during preseason.
North Carolina leads the all-time series against the Gamecocks 45-20-4. However, South Carolina has dominated in recent history with wins in four of their five meetings since 2000. The Tar Heels earned their last win 24-20 in the 2019 season opener.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina football injury report: Jatius Geer ruled out vs. UNC
