Former Gamecock great Connor Shaw suffers serious leg injury

Former University of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw suffered a significant injury Saturday and had to be carted off the field before being taken to a hospital.

Shaw, who’s trying to win a roster spot with the Chicago Bears backing up Jay Cutler, was carted off the field after suffering an injury to his left leg. After making a pass, the former Gamecock great was hit by Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who landed on Shaw’s left leg. His leg was immediately placed in an air cast and he was driven to the locker room.

Shaw suffered a broken leg right above the ankle, NFL Network reporter Ian Rappaport tweeted, citing a source. Rappaport added, if there’s no ligament damage, Shaw could be back this season

On the team’s official Twitter account, the Bears posted that coach John Fox said Shaw’s injury was “very serious” and he was taken to the hospital. The Bears added, “Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Shaw’s injury was described as gruesome by those that saw it, according to windycitygridiron.com, adding that NFL Network wouldn’t show a replay because of the graphic nature of the injury.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Shaw’s Twitter feed had a new post, featuring a highlighted Bible passage, a portion of The Book Romans 5:3-5.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Less than two hours later, Shaw tweeted again, this time showing his appreciation and optimism.

“Overwhelmed w/ support. I’m blessed to have so many praying for me. Power in prayer!” Shaw tweeted, adding, “I trust that I’ll recover fully & play again as a bear!”

Support for Shaw was easy to find on Twitter as former South Carolina coaches Steve Spurrier and Shawn Elliott, in addition to women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, were among many to quickly wish him a speedy recovery and share positive thoughts.

Among them was Alshon Jeffery, his teammate at South Carolina. The two had been reunited on the Bears after Chicago signed Shaw, who had been cut by the Cleveland Browns.

“It’s a tough break, man,” Jeffery said. “He was having a hell of a camp. He was doing a hell of a job out there. … I told him ‘Damn, I hate it for you. Just keep the faith. Just trust in the process with God.’ ”

“It’s heartbreaking,” Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer said, according to CBS Chicago.

Shaw replaced Hoyer after the veteran experienced shortness of breath from a hit to the ribs. Shaw was 5 of 6 for 68 yards and a touchdown, a 16-yard strike to receiver Cameron Meredith in which he bought time by scrambling.

The Bears’ offense was lifeless before Shaw had entered as the third quarterback, CBS Chicago reported, adding Shaw’s place on the 53-man roster was becoming more clear. Now, his season is likely over.

This story was originally published August 27, 2016 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Former Gamecock great Connor Shaw suffers serious leg injury."