The South Carolina Gamecocks have been bitten hard by the injury bug this year, especially on offense.

Already without WR/KR Deebo Samuel due to a broken leg, the Gamecocks lost RB Rico Dowdle to a fractured fibula during Saturday’s 15-9 win over Tennessee.

On Sunday night, coach Will Muschamp said Dowdle will have surgery this week, but will miss an extended period of time as he recovers:

Dowdle had four carries for 19 yards against Tennessee before leaving in the first quarter.

The South Carolina running game has struggled to get going at times this year, but will rely even more heavily on Ty’Son Williams now that Dowdle is out.

The Gamecocks picked up a huge win, but it came at a cost. Moving forward, Dowdle’s contributions to the offense will certainly be missed.