Cooper to Play Through Rib Sprain

Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina Gamecocks star wide receiver Pharoh Cooper said Wednesday he sprained a rib against South Alabama last Saturday but will play this Saturday when the Gamecocks go on the road to face the Clemson Tigers. The injury occurred after he muffed a punt against the Jaguars Saturday. A player attempting to recover the football instead hit Cooper in the side. “I’ve been watching film and watching the plays so it won’t affect where I line up Saturday,” said Cooper. “He didn’t do a lot,” said Gamecocks Head Coach Steve Spurrier. “Didn’t run around full go. He’s hurting a little bit. We’ll see how he is in a couple days.” Cooper practiced on Wednesday, but told reporters he’s experiencing pain when he bends to the right or left. USC trainers expect him to play Saturday. The wide receiver leads the Gamecocks and is second in the SEC with over 900 yards receiving and eight touchdowns on the season.