Injury report after Gamecocks' Saturday scrimmage

The Gamecocks scrimmaged Saturday, and Will Muschamp updated the media on a few players going fighting the injury bug as week three of preseason camp ends.

Right now 2017 signee and former three-star cornerback Tavyn Jackson will miss a couple of weeks dealing with a hamstring injury.

The injury was a little more serious than originally thought and it will sideline Jackson for roughly two to three weeks, Muschamp said.

Jackson is expected to contribute on a relatively inexperience defense this season, and his return would coincide roughly with the Gamecocks' season opener Sept. 2 against NC State.

“It’s going to make it hard, but because of our numbers he’s going to have to play," Muschamp said. "We’ve kept him up to speed, he’s an extremely bright young man and he’s a guy we’re still counting on. But certainly, it’s a little bit of an issue him missing this much time at this stage.”

Also see: What's Bryson Allen-Williams's role this year?

Chris Smith, a redshirt freshman, is battling a hip injury and Muschamp said a medical hardship is the "most likely" path for him. It's an injury that can be repaired with surgery, and the coaches thing it's the best decision for the defensive back long term.

Randrecous Davis, who had been battling a lower body injury this preseason, could be back late this week, likely Wednesday or Thursday.

C.J. Freeman is battling soreness with his knee and has been in and out of practice lately. Muschamp said he's hoping to get the running back back on the field next week.

Also see: Inside four-star playmaker Josh Vann's commitment

Freeman was sidelined in the spring after undergoing surgery on his ACL in December.

Steven Montac has a stress fracture in his foot and was in a walking boot last week. Muschamp said last Saturday he'd be evaluated in 10 days, which means sometime early this week.

Muschamp is hoping to get him back for the start of prep for NC State.

Shi Smith (hamstring), Malik Young (shoulder) and D.J. Smith (shoulder) are all battling minor injuries and are expected back for the Gamecocks' open practice Monday.

Also see: Observations on a few in-state baseball commitments

Jaylin Dickerson, who will miss this season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, had his procedure done last week and will return back to Columbia soon, Muschamp said.

Dickerson is a former three-star cornerback from North Carolina who was expected to contribute this year before surgery.

“He was in good spirits," Muschamp said. "The nerve surgeon felt like it went as good as it could go as far as what they saw and what they thought they were going tot see. We’re extremely optimistic.”