COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina coach Will Muschamp doesn't expect injured starting tailback Rico Dowdle to play this week against Tennessee.
Muschamp said Tuesday that Dowdle has a sprained right knee. Although Dowdle moved around at practice, Muschamp was unsure whether the running back would be healthy enough when the Gamecocks (3-4, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) travel to play the Vols (2-5, 1-3).
Dowdle was hurt on the first play Saturday against Florida. Dowdle, a senior from Asheville, North Carolina, was helped to the sidelines before going to the locker room. He eventually returned to sidelines with a brace on the knee.
Muschamp said the injury does not require surgery, meaning Dowdle will return "sooner than later."
Dowdle has 457 yards and four touchdowns this season.