Luke Doty’s apparent foot injury during a South Carolina practice raised questions as to whether the Gamecocks starting quarterback would be ready for the season opener against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 4. Head coach Shane Beamer noted that the severity of the injury during his media availability on Saturday, saying that Doty was considered “questionable” and that it was simply a sprain.
“Luke is in great spirits and optimistic he will be able to play in the first game. If not, soon after that,” Beamer said.
On Thursday, in his first “Carolina Calls” radio show of the football season, Beamer provided an update on the status of Doty, and it appears to be good news. According to a tweet from Gamecocks beat reporter Josh Kendall, Doty could have his cast removed “very soon”, per Beamer, and that “it’s very possible” he could start the season opener against the Panthers.
"I think it’s very likely that he gets that cast off and starts taking reps very soon. I think it’s very possible (he’s ready for first game)." (2/2)
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) August 19, 2021
An injured starting quarterback was the last thing Beamer would have hoped for with just weeks to go before the season kicks off, but it appears Doty is trending in the right direction.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
