Scott, Howell expected back for South Carolina

South Carolina nickelback Quay’Sheed Scott and running back Jawarn Howell are expected to be available against Texas A&M after neither appeared on Wednesday night’s SEC availability report.

Scott, a Kentucky transfer, has missed three straight games. Coach Shane Beamer said last week that Scott needed to pass final tests before returning to action. Howell missed the Gamecocks’ wins over Tennessee and Oklahoma with a minor shoulder injury.

Three other contributors appeared as questionable with undisclosed injuries. Wide receiver Donovan Murph, safety J’Zavien Currence and defensive lineman Jordan Thomas received that designation after their injuries had not previously been reported.

Offensive linemen Josiah Thompson, Seth Smith and Dayne Arnett remain out, along with wide receiver Jayden Sellers and EDGE Kobby Sakyi-Prah. Beamer said Saturday that Arnett had been hospitalized at one point last week while dealing with an illness but had since been released.

Running back Matt Fuller is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery Sunday for a foot injury suffered against Oklahoma.

The SEC’s availability-reporting system, approved in 2024, requires football programs to submit reports three days before each game and update them daily. A final report is required 90 minutes before kickoff. The conference says inaccurate or late football reports can result in penalties ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

South Carolina and Texas A&M are scheduled to kick off Saturday at 3:00 on ESPN.

Why it matters

Scott’s expected return follows a three-game absence, while Howell is set to return after missing wins over Tennessee and Oklahoma. Murph, Currence and Thomas now carry questionable designations ahead of the Texas A&M game.

What to watch next

The next official availability update is due Thursday night at 8. A final report is required 90 minutes before Saturday’s kickoff.