At least for the start of this weekend’s game, James Franklin‘s “toughness” won’t be in question as it was around this time last weekend.
The Missouri quarterback declined to take a painkiller prior to last Saturday’s game against Arizona State and, as a result, was unable to play due to a lingering shoulder issue. Franklin resumed throwing during practice this week, with head coach Gary Pinkel declaring his starter “almost symptom-free.”
That progress has reportedly bled into Week 4, with ESPN.com, citing a source close to the program, that Franklin will indeed start today’s conference matchup with South Carolina.
The SEC East “Battle of Columbia” will feature two teams with health issues at the quarterback position. In addition to Franklin, Gamecocks starter Connor Shaw has been battling a shoulder issue as well.
Shaw was knocked out of last weekend’s game after aggravating what’s been described as a slight shoulder fracture, but head coach Steve Spurrier pronounced his starter “fine” earlier this week and said he would get the nod against the Tigers.
