Shane Beamer updates Juice Wells’ injury status after USC football off week
South Carolina wide receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells Jr. is doubtful this week against Florida, coach Shane Beamer said Tuesday.
“The injury is healing really well,” Beamer said. “Certainly don’t want to put Juice out there before he’s ready and don’t want us going out there without the right mindset as well.”
Beamer also said he wouldn’t completely “close the door” on Wells playing this weekend against the Gators.
The redshirt senior receiver was left off the depth chart for the second straight week Monday after suffering an apparent broken foot against Georgia in Week 3. Beamer said following the injury that Wells saw a specialist to evaluate the foot, but there’s been no update since.
During his weekly media availability Tuesday, Beamer said Wells is on a “fast track” for the healing process, and that he’ll remain week to week for the time being. Beamer added that Wells, a 2022 Second Team All-SEC pick, has continued visiting a specialist in Charlotte to rehab the injury.
Wells has dealt with a “lower body injury” since the preseason, and he hasn’t played a full game this season. Wells has three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown in three games this season after leading South Carolina and ranking fifth in the SEC in receiving with 928 yards in 2022.
The Gamecocks (2-3, 1-2 SEC) return to Williams-Brice Stadium to host Florida (4-2, 2-1 SEC) on Saturday after a 41-20 loss at Tennessee and a bye week.
Other injury news
Beamer said offensive lineman Cason Henry is still out for Florida, but said he hopes Henry will be available by the “end of the month.”
Offensive lineman Jakai Moore, who didn’t travel to Tennessee, is practicing this week and will be available Saturday. Edge Drew Tuazama also didn’t travel to Tennessee for “personal reasons,” but Beamer said he’ll be back against Florida.
Beamer said defensive back David Spaulding had a wrist injury but practiced this week and is expected to be available on Saturday. Any other player that suffered a recent injury is “fine,” Beamer said.
Beamer said he’s seen other linemen with long-term injuries, including Ryan Brubaker and Jaylen Nichols and Ni Mansell, consistently in the weight room.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 1:48 PM with the headline "Shane Beamer updates Juice Wells’ injury status after USC football off week."
