Travian Robertson health update: Shane Beamer reveals latest in recovery, potential for return

Shane Beamer revealed the latest on South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson, who’s not quite back at practice yet. However, he watched practice from afar Tuesday and is progressively recovering.

He has injuries from a car accident in August. Robertson, a former defensive lineman himself for the Gamecocks from 2007-2011, has been the defensive line coach at South Carolina since the 2023 season. The accident occurred on the morning of Aug. 22 — roughly a week before the season opener — and resulted in a two-week hospital stay for Robertson.

“He was out at practice again today,” Beamer said. “He was actually standing on the balcony and watching practice today for the first time, usually he has been sitting in that sitting in a chair, and he couldn’t really stand, but he was standing over the railing today and watching practice, and I know he was out there the entire time watching from the balcony. 

“He texted me a picture yesterday. I guess he had surgery yesterday where he got all the screws out. So he sent me a picture of all the screws that had been in his feet, which wasn’t the greatest thing I’ve ever seen when he sent me that one, but proud, glad he got the screws out, and I think he said maybe one more surgery. And then after that, he felt like he’d be on his feet and kind of moving forward at a fast pace, so optimistic that he’ll be back out there coaching soon.”

It’s still unclear when Robertson might be back, and Jordan Dove has been filling in during his absence. Beamer told reporters when the accident occurred that Robertson’s health remained the primary focus, and that is certainly still the case.

“Everyone knows what this place means to him and how much it hurts him not to be here with us right now, but his health is the primary thing and (he) had some pretty serious stuff happen to him in that wreck,” Beamer said. “So, would ask for continued thoughts and prayers for he and his family.

“He is going to be okay. It’s nothing long-term. It’s just, physically, he’s not able to be down on the sidelines at a game right now.”

Robertson will watch for now, but he could be back soon as long as he keeps recovering at a solid rate. South Carolina is back in action at home vs. No. 14 Oklahoma Saturday.