Shane Beamer gives final update on Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers for Akron game

Shane Beamer isn’t ready to rule out LaNorris Sellers for Saturday’s game against Akron.

Beamer said Thursday on his weekly radio call-in show that coaches still aren’t certain if Sellers will start the game or play against the Zips (7:30 p.m., ESPNU). Sellers injured his ankle in the first half of last week’s game against LSU. He came back in for one series in the second half, but he was limited and didn’t play the rest of the game.

Two sources told The State that Sellers’ ankle was in a cast early in the week. On Wednesday, though, he was out of the cast at practice and went through a handful of drop-backs on the side with his helmet on before changing into street clothes, one source said. The cast was off but Sellers’ ankle was heavily taped.

If Sellers can’t go, Robby Ashford will get the start. Ashford came in for Sellers after he went out last week.

Ashford is in his first season with the Gamecocks after stops at Oregon and Auburn. He didn’t play in two seasons with the Ducks before heading to the Southeastern Conference.

Ashford made nine starts at Auburn in 2022 but was a backup last year, appearing in 10 games.

Last week against LSU, Ashford was 2-of-4 passing for 42 yards and carried the ball 11 times for 11 yards. He played a couple series against Kentucky the week before after Sellers left the game with a hip injury

In two-plus years, Ashford has thrown for 1,807 yards, rushed for 964 yards and has 21 total touchdowns.