Rocket Sanders injury update: South Carolina football RB has injury in game vs Akron
COLUMBIA —South Carolina football star running back Rocket Sanders left the field during a drive with just over nine minutes to play in the opening quarter against Akron Saturday.
Sanders hurried off the field with a limp, then sat on the bench before going into the injury tent. It is currently unclear what occurred during the drive that injured Sanders but it appears to be a lower left foot or ankle injury.
Sanders dealt 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, it's expected the run game will be heavily depended on, as that caters to Ashford's skill set. Before the injury, Sanders had a 6-yard reception and one rushing attempt.
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Rocket Sanders injury updates
After he left the injury tent, Sanders remained on the bench for most of the first half. He walked to the locker room with two minutes to play in the second quarter in a walking boot, according to a video posted on X.
Sanders returned to the sidelines after halftime in street clothes, still wearing a boot on his foot.
Rocket Sanders just walked to the locker room
A walking boot on his left foot@gamecockfb | @wachfox pic.twitter.com/FAAgJLCxGL— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) September 22, 2024
Who is Rocket Sander's backup on South Carolina's depth chart?
Oscar Adaway and Juju McDowell are two running backs that the Gamecocks can turn to without Sanders. Adaway scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown to put South Carolina up 7-0 over the Zips.
Rocket Sanders stats
Sanders has 285 rushing yards this season on 56 carries with four touchdowns. In his first three seasons, Sanders played for Arkansas football, 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 her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Rocket Sanders injury update: South Carolina RB exits game vs Akron
