South Carolina’s quarterback position has taken another twist as the offseason is just getting started. One day after QB Jake Bentley announced plans to transfer, freshman QB Ryan Hilinski reportedly has a torn meniscus and ACL. He’ll likely have surgery this week.

That report came from Mike Gillespie of ABC-Columbia, citing a source. Hilinski had a couple of injury setbacks this season, including a sore elbow that caused him to misfire in the Missouri game, and he left the Georgia game with a left knee injury after a low hit by one of the Georgia linemen. Gillespie reported that Hilinski suffered this injury in that Georgia game on Oct. 12. Hilinski played in every game the rest of the season, though the Gamecocks used 2 other players at quarterback sparingly.

Gillespie reported that, “The source also tells ABC Columbia the tears are minor, and Hilinski is expected back in 4-6 weeks. … South Carolina and Hilinski looked in to Tommy John surgery, but ultimately decided to only have the procedure done on his knee.”

It was a tough season for injuries for Gamecock quarterbacks as Bentley suffered a mid-foot sprain that ended his season in the first game against North Carolina. Then third-string-turned backup Dakereon Joyner suffered a hamstring injury, and didn’t play against Clemson because of a concussion.

If Hilinski’s surgery goes well, and that timeline is accurate, perhaps it won’t affect his spring practice availability.