Report: Top offensive weapon Adams likely to miss opener

Sep 6, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) is upended going for the reception by East Carolina Pirates defensive back Domonique Lennon (31) during game action between the South Carolina Gamecocks and East Carolina Pirates at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks look like they'll be without one of their top offensive weapons in the season opener versus North Carolina on Thursday night.

"Jerell Adams hasn't practiced in three days," said Spurrier. "I doubt if Jerell will start now. We'll see how he feels Thursday night."

Adams is the second-leading receiver (behind Pharoh Cooper) for South Carolina. A season ago, he had accrued 21 catches for 279 yards and a touchdown.

Younger options such as Hayden Hurst, Kyle Markway and Jacob August will all have to step up if Adams isn't able to go. Markway is a true freshman, and August and Hurst are freshmen walk-ons. Spurrier echoed this sentiment after practice Monday night.

"We got three tight ends. All three of them are freshmen, and two of them are walk-ons, and they're going to play the whole ballgame Thursday night. We're sort of young at tight end, but they're good players and they'll scrap."