All Melvin Ingram has done this season for South Carolina is put up conference-leading totals in sacks and tackles for loss as well as score more touchdowns as a defensive end (three) than Alshon Jeffery has scored from his wide receiver position (two).
As the Gamecocks attempt to rebound from their loss to Auburn, however, all of that production could be standing on the sidelines come kickoff.
Ingram suffered a foot injury during the fourth quarter of the loss Saturday, and it’s highly unlikely the lineman will be able to practice throughout the week. The Charleston Post & Courier reports that Ingram was on crutches and wearing a protective boot on his left foot Tuesday.
Head coach Steve Spurrier said that the player is willing when it comes to the game against Kentucky this weekend, but it’ll be up to the medical staff -- likely close to game time -- to determine whether he’s able.
“He thinks he can play,” Spurrier said. “Now whether or not the trainers and doctors clear him, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Ingram leads the SEC in sacks with 5.5 -- that’s tied for second nationally -- and is tied for the league lead with 7.5 tackles for loss. Each of the past two weeks, he’s been named the SEC’s defensive player of the week.