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Injured All-SEC WR Ends Speculation Of Return For Rivalry Game After Cryptic Instagram Posts

#College Football
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South Carolina WR Juice Wells catches a touchdown pass against Clemson.

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Juice Wells piqued fans’ interest with a few cryptic Instagram posts ahead of South Carolina’s rivalry with Clemson. Will the All-SEC wideout return to the field?

Wells has been sidelined with a foot injury since Week 3, but his social media activity had Gamecock fans hopeful.

And why wouldn’t they be?

Wells was the league’s top returning receiver at the start of the 2023 season, racking up 928 yards on 68 catches the year prior. He saved the best for last with a 131-yard performance against the Tigers in Death Valley.

Unfortunately, a lingering injury has kept him off the field.

After scoring a touchdown against Georgia in the Gamecocks’ third game, Wells left the field and wouldn’t return. Coaches have been optimistic about getting him back, but to this point, he’s been unable to suit up.

@jacket.country Prayers up to Juice Wells 🙏 get better fast! #fyp #spursup🤙🏼🐔 #gamecocksfb #beamerball #juicewells #gamecocknation #sportstiktok #viral #trending #collegefootball #football #georgia #georgiabulldogs #clemson #clemsontigers #tennessee #tennesseevols #gbo🍊 ♬ sonido original – Capcut plantillas

That absence has sparked the emergence of Xavier Legette, who ranks second in the SEC in receiving this year. Still, Spencer Rattler and Co. would love to have Wells back for the team’s final regular season game.

Not only does the Clemson game represent a heated rivalry in the Palmetto State, but a win would get South Carolina to bowl eligibility.

Based on the wideout’s recent Instagram activity, a return wasn’t out of the question.

He’s posted a number of highlights on his IG story, all of which came in that 31-30 win over the Tigers last season.

Just amping up the rivalry game, or sending a different message to his followers?

Juice Wells ends Clemson speculation.

Having only played in three games to this point, Wells would still preserve his redshirt had he played on Saturday. Head coach Shane Beamer didn’t rule out a return, saying, “There’s a chance,” when asked about the possibility his star pass catcher suits up.

Unfortunately for Gamecocks fans, Wells ended the speculation with a message on X (formerly Twitter).

Clearing the air, I’m not playing and not holding out for the NFL draft. I’ll be back next year…

Good and bad news for South Carolina as it seems Wells will be back in Columbia next season.

This year’s Palmetto Bowl has suddenly received national attention due to Donald Trump’s expected attendance, though the two teams have struggled on the field. Still, both programs enter on long winning streaks, and the rivalry means even more to fans in the state of South Carolina.

Juice Wells did his best to spark some Thanksgiving speculation. We’ll have to wait until next year to see him on the field.