South Carolina’s Juju McDowell out for season after injury vs. Vanderbilt
Running back Juju McDowell is officially done for the season, Shane Beamer announced after the 47-6 win Saturday over Vanderbilt. McDowell broke a collarbone, Beamer said.
McDowell had one carry Saturday. He left for the locker room in the first quarter against Vanderbilt and returned to the sideline later in the first half. He was ruled out by Beamer at the start of the seconds quarter.
“He brings so much energy,” Beamer said postgame of McDowell. “What a testament to that kid. I mean, he breaks his collarbone and then I look out there on the field and he’s trying to motivate the team out there on the sideline at the end of the first quarter.”
McDowell had two rushing touchdowns this season and 63 rushing yards on 26 carries. He also had one touchdown reception and 87 yards on 10 receptions.
The running back’s injury comes after Dakereon Joyner didn’t play this week with a foot injury he had against Jacksonville State.
Asked what the running back depth chart looks like now, Beamer said: “We’ve got to figure that one out. We’ve got four scholarship running backs on our team and two of them are out right now.”
It’s expected Mario Anderson and DJay Braswell will be the top backs for the Gamecocks, with walk-ons Bradley Dunn and DJ Twitty serving as backups.
Beamer said that Joyner, as of now, is doubtful to play next week against Kentucky. Joyner, who injured his ankle against Jacksonville State a week ago, was spotted on the sideline Saturday with his right foot in a boot and elevated on a scooter.
This story was originally published November 11, 2023 at 3:26 PM.
