COLUMBIA — South Carolina football star running back Rocket Sanders left the field during a drive with just over nine minutes left in the opening quarter of their game against Akron on Saturday.
Sanders hurriedly limped off the field, then sat on the bench, then went to the injury tent. It is currently unclear what happened during the drive that injured Sanders, but it appears to be an injury to the lower left foot or ankle.
Sanders struggled with both knee and shoulder injuries during the 2023 season at Arkansas and missed the entire 2024 spring season with the Gamecocks (2-1) while recovering from shoulder surgery.
With Robby Ashford starting at quarterback, the running game is expected to play a big role as it suits Ashford’s skill set. Before his injury, Sanders had caught one 6-yard pass and one running attempt.
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Latest information on Rocket Sanders’ injury
After leaving the injury tent, Sanders remained on the bench for most of the first half, and with two minutes left in the second quarter, he walked to the locker room wearing walking boots, according to a video posted to X.
After halftime, Sanders returned to the sidelines in civilian clothes, still with one boot on his foot.
Who is Rocket Sanders’ replacement on the South Carolina roster?
Oscar Adaway and Juju McDowell are two running backs the Gamecocks can rely on without Sanders. Adaway scored a 2-yard touchdown to give South Carolina a 7-0 lead.
Rocket Sanders Stats
Sanders has 285 rushing yards on 56 carries with four touchdowns this season. In his first three seasons, Sanders played football for Arkansas, where he rushed for 2,230 yards on 398 carries with 17 touchdowns.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email [email protected] and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin
