COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw is hampered by a bruised right shoulder, leaving sophomore Dylan Thompson to make his first career start against East Carolina.
Coach Steve Spurrier has said Shaw can play if needed.
Shaw was injured during last week’s 17-13 win over Vanderbilt, but stayed in for most of the game. The shoulder kept hurting this week, and the junior didn’t get much time in practice.
Thompson came in for several snaps for Shaw against the Commodores, but didn’t complete a pass in three attempts. He played in four games in 2011, mostly when South Carolina had big leads.
Shaw is missing his first start since taking over last year when Stephen Garcia was kicked off the team.
The ninth-ranked Gamecocks hosted East Carolina on Saturday.
