Two key South Carolina defenders cleared in Friday injury report

South Carolina defensive back Judge Collier and defensive tackle Gabe Brownlow-Dindy have been cleared to play in Saturday’s matchup with Kentucky, according to the Friday night update to the SEC availability report.

Offensive linemen Cason Henry and Nolan Hay were already ruled out for the matchup on Thursday.

Defensive back Buddy Mack III, a key contributor on special teams, was ruled out on Friday after being listed as doubtful earlier in the week..

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Defensive back DQ Smith, who missed the Missouri game, was removed from the availability report entirely on Thursday, meaning he’s expected to play on Saturday.

Tight end Mike Smith missed the Missouri game and offensive guard Trovon Baugh only played on special teams, but neither was on Wednesday’s report, meaning both are expected to be available this week.

Collier has been trending towards a return, but defensive coordinator Clayton White suggested they may ease him back in, whenever he does return.

“He’s still grinding back from the injury, trying to get back in shape,” White said Wednesday. “It’s been a while since he’s played, so we’re definitely trying to make sure he’s in position before we just throw him back out there.”

Henry, who was banged up against Vanderbilt but was back in the starting lineup against the Tigers, exited after the first play of the game with what the broadcast said was a shoulder injury.

The next and final availability update will come 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday.

Last season, the SEC approved a player availability injury report system for football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.

SEC school personnel must submit availability reports three days before each football game, with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes before game time. For basketball and baseball, reports are filed the night before, with an update on game day.

According to the SEC, penalties for inaccurate or late reports will range from $25,000 to $100,000 for football and anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 for basketball and baseball.

When schools submit injury reports, players will be designated as available, probable, doubtful, and questionable before game day. On game day, designations will be available, game-time decision or out. The model follows injury reports similar to the NFL.

South Carolina will be back at home on Saturday, Sept. 27, before heading into its first bye week. The Gamecocks will face Kentucky at 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network.

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