Good Gamecock offensive news: McKinley to play

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Finally, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier had some good news about his troubled offense.

Injured Gamecock star wideout Kenny McKinley has practiced extensively this week and Spurrier says he’ll play Saturday at Ole Miss.

“Kenny was running around decently and he’s expecting to play some,” Spurrier said Wednesday after practice. “We’ll see how much as he goes. But he’ll suit and go play.”

McKinley, a graduate of South Cobb High in Austell, set the school’s single-season receptions record with 77 catches last fall and was named to the all-Southeastern Conference first team. But he hasn’t played since the first half in a 24-17 loss at Vanderbilt on Sept. 4 when he came out of the game with a pulled right hamstring.

McKinley’s absence has been felt by the offense, currently eighth in the SEC and 79th in the nation. Spurrier has tried five different starters at receiver since McKinley’s injury. McKinley’s lone TD catch of the season is still tied for second behind the two scoring receptions of Dion LeCorn.

“We’re not going to blame our problems on Kenny not being there. We blame our problems on a little bit of all of us,” Spurrier said. “We’re trying to work our way out of it.”

McKinley could be a big plus as the Gamecocks (3-2, 0-2 SEC) try and snap a six-game league losing streak — the longest of Spurrier’s career.

McKinley became the team’s most reliable receiver last season and extended his reception streak to 35 games — a South Carolina record — before the injury. He’s seven catches away from tying Sterling Sharpe’s career Gamecock record of 169 receptions.

Spurrier had said this past Sunday that if McKinley’s hamstring didn’t improve, a medical redshirt season could be an option. After talking with the training staff, Spurrier found out the injury was getting better and McKinley was allowed back at practice.

“He didn’t do a whole lot, but what he did, he was OK,” Spurrier said.

McKinley had declined interviews this week, although teammate Chris Hail said the receiver was rounding into shape.

Hail said McKinley’s strong rehab efforts are paying off.

“Kenny’s making a good comeback,” said Hail, switched from defense to wideout this week.