South Carolina football team and head coach Shane Beamer received a significant boost ahead of their matchup against Mississippi State. Star edge rusher Dylan Stewart and offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak showed positive signs of recovery after being listed as probable on the SEC availability report due to early-season injuries affecting their back and knee.

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In an exclusive report to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Coach Shane Beamer clarified the status of both players for the upcoming game. Neither Stewart nor Peak will start, but they will play against Mississippi State on Saturday. Stewart has been slowly returning to full health after suffering a back injury and missing the first two games against Kent State and Towson. A former freshman All-American and All-SEC selection, Stewart recorded 11 sacks in the past two seasons and is considered a top draft prospect. ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid even predicts he may be selected in the top 10 in a recent mock draft.

Similarly, Peak, a top offensive lineman from the transfer portal who earned honorable mention All-ACC honors at NC State, has been recovering from a knee injury sustained shortly after joining the Gamecocks in February. Although neither player will take the field at the game's start, their inclusion later in the game provides essential firepower for a Gamecocks team eager to make a significant statement in SEC play.