Availability Report: Kentucky's DJ Waller Jr. is doubtful, South Carolina could be without 5 starters on Saturday

Sep 7, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Jason Patterson (26) runs the ball through South Carolina Gamecocks defenders during the second quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

SEC football fans now have more clarity on the status of their respective rosters ahead of Saturdays in the fall. The league instituted a new policy in 2024 that requires schools to submit official availability reports.

Each Wednesday of SEC contests, both schools will share an availability report. It will be updated nightly, with one final ruling an hour before kickoff on Saturdays. Players must be listed as out (0% chance to play), doubtful (25% chance to play), questionable (50% chance to play), or probable (75% chance to play).

Kentucky is healthy entering the second SEC game of the season. South Carolina is dealing with some key injuries in the trenches.

Kentucky players availability report

DL Nic Smith: Out
WR David Washington Jr.: Out
WR Preston Bowman: Out
RB Jamarion Wilcox: Out
TE Elijah Brown: Out
CB DJ Waller Jr.: Doubtful
QB Zach Calzada: Questionable
OL Aba Selm: Questionable

The Cats will likely be without starting cornerback DJ Waller Jr. for a third consecutive game. This comes just one year after the former Michigan transfer missed five games in his first season at UK. However, Terhyon Nichols will return as a starter after missing the second half against Eastern Michigan with an injury. Wide receiver Troy Stellato and defensive tackle Josaih Hayes will also be back in action after missing the last game. Backup quarterback Zach Calzada is listed as questionable as he deals with a shoulder injury.

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South Carolina availability report

OL Cason Henry: Doubtful
DL Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy: Doubtful
DB Buddy Mack III: Doubtful
OL Nolan Hay: Doubtful
DB DQ Smith: Probable
DB Judge Collier: Questionable

The Gamecocks are dealing with multiple injuries in the trenches. Starting right tackle Cason Henry is arguable South Carolina’s best offensive lineman and could miss a consecutive SEC game on Saturday. Texas A&M tranfer Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy has been playing good football and will be a noticeable absence at defensive tackle. Incarnate Word transfer Nolan Hay started at center last week but most likely will be out of the lineup against Kentucky. Starting cornerback Judge Collier has not played since Week 1. Starting safety DQ Smith missed last week’s game. USC could be without three defensive starters on Saturday.

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