South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart returned to practice Tuesday after being suspended indefinitely following multiple incidents during the Alabama game on Sept. 26. His status for Saturday’s game against Florida remains undetermined.
Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer announced Stewart’s return during a news conference. Beamer said South Carolina has not yet decided whether the edge rusher will play against Florida.
“He was at practice today,” Beamer said. “His status for Saturday has not been determined. That will be determined as we go throughout the week.”
Stewart’s participation in Tuesday’s practice provided an update on his place with the team following the suspension. It did not settle whether he will return to game action Saturday.
The suspension followed multiple incidents during South Carolina’s game against Alabama on Sept. 26. Stewart punched an Alabama player and was also seen arguing with coaches during the game.
South Carolina lost that game 49-18 in Tuscaloosa. The actions involving Stewart occurred during the loss, which preceded the suspension announcement.
The SEC and South Carolina jointly announced a one-game suspension following the incident. Stewart had initially been suspended indefinitely after what happened during the Alabama game.
Stewart was not present for South Carolina’s game last Saturday. The Gamecocks lost 35-34 to Kentucky without him there.
His return to practice came after his absence from the Kentucky game. Beamer’s announcement confirmed Stewart was back on the practice field Tuesday, but the coach stopped short of confirming that he would face Florida.
Beamer said the determination will be made as the week progresses. His comments left Stewart’s Saturday status open while South Carolina continued preparing for the Florida game.
Stewart is a former all-conference pick. He is also considered one of the most talented edge rushers in the country. Last month, ESPN NFL draft expert Jordan Reid projected him as a top-10 pick.