Head coach Shane Beamer reported that running back Rocket Sanders will not be out long after suffering a left ankle injury on the second drive of Saturday night’s game against Akron.

“Rocket has a minor ankle injury,” Shane Beamer said. “We don’t believe it’s anything long-term.”

After Sanders blocked an outside run by JuJu McDowell, a Zips defender rolled up Sanders while attempting to tackle the ball carrier.

The transfer from Arkansas limped off the field and went to the medical tent, where training staff examined him and applied ice to the injury. He entered the locker room with a boot on his foot before the end of the second quarter.

After halftime, Sanders returned to the home team’s sideline, but he was no longer wearing his uniform, but rather his own clothes.

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This is a big blow for the Gamecocks after Sanders had been on a roll, having rushed for 143 yards in a game against LSU last weekend.

Previously, Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards with the Razorbacks during the 2022 season, leading the SEC in yards from scrimmage.

But in 2023, the running back’s shoulder injuries limited him to just six games and 62 attempts on the ground.

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With Sanders out, other running backs stepped in Saturday. Juju McDowell, Oscar Adaway III and Jawarn Howell all had at least one possession in the first half, as did Nyck Harbor.

Without a workhorse like Sanders, a tandem group in the backfield would be expected once the Gamecocks return to the field.

LaNorris Sellers will return from his ankle injury next game, and Jared Brown is also expected to return. Monkell Goodwine was injured in tonight’s game, but is not expected to miss much time.

South Carolina heads into an off week before returning to action against No. 5 Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 5.