S. Carolina’s Pharoh Cooper to miss practice with injuries

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier expects dynamic playmaker Pharoh Cooper to miss a few more days of practice because of hand and knee injuries.

Spurrier said Sunday the Gamecocks’ 1,000-yard receiver had sprained his hand and gotten a knee bruise in practice, but is not seriously injured. Cooper did not take part when South Carolina held a short scrimmage session on Saturday.

Spurrier expected Cooper to miss a couple of more practices to make sure he’s completely healed. The coach said there’s little reason to risk Cooper in camp when he is such a crucial piece of the offense.

Cooper had 69 catches for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. He also rushed for 200 yards in 2014, the Gamecocks’ fourth-best total.