South Carolina returned to practice Sunday, but did so without wide receiver Alshon Jeffery or safety D.J. Swearinger.
Jeffery is recovering from offseason surgery on his left hand, while Swearinger dealt with a foot injury. Jeffery told reporters Sunday that his hand is feeling better and he and his coaches expect him to play against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl.
“Alshon’s been out here spectating a little bit,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “He’s been running with the guys. He could catch one-handed, but should be ready for the bowl game. D.J. has that foot that they’d like him to stay off of. Terrence Campbell is not practicing this week. Hopefully when we get to Orlando they can get in shape a little bit.”
Campbell broke his fibula against Clemson, but could return for the bowl game.
Cornerback C.C. Whitlock also missed practice with a knee injury, while defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles limped off the practice field with a lower leg injury. The extent of Quarles' injury wasn't known Sunday.
Wide receiver Bruce Ellington was not at practice, either, after playing basketball against Ohio State Saturday.
“I think Bruce is supposed to come around tomorrow, but we’ve got to wait and see," Spurrier said. "We’ve pretty much left it up to him. If he’s going to play some, he needs to get out here and get the game plan down. I think he’s supposed to be here most of the time.”
Johnson update: Spurrier could be yet another SEC coach who will be looking for a new coordinator, as defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is still in the mix for the Southern Miss head-coaching job. Johnson interviewed for the job last week.
“You’ll have to ask Ellis about that,” Spurrier said. “From what I’ve heard, he’s got a good shot at it. We'll wait and see how it plays out.”
Regardless of whether Johnson gets the job or not, Spurrier said he expects him to coach South Carolina's defense against Nebraska.
Spurrier helping out running backs and tight ends: With Jay Graham heading to coach running backs at Tennessee, his alma mater, Spurrier said he and graduate assistant Tommy Galt are coaching running backs and tight ends until Spurrier hires a replacement for Graham.
"They are doing well," Spurrier said. "We’re not changing a lot of things we do so hopefully we can get those positions ready to go against Nebraska."