Gamecock quarterback Ryan Hilinski to have surgery

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Sources confirmed to ABC Columbia Tuesday that Gamecock Quarterback Ryan Hilinski suffered a small tear in his meniscus.

Hilinski received a second MRI Monday which confirmed the tear. He’ll likely have surgery this week.

According to the source, Hilinski suffered the injury during the Georgia game on Oct. 12. The source also tells ABC Columbia the tear is “minor”, and Hilinski is expected back in 4-6 weeks.

Early Tuesday morning, Hilinski’s injuries were described to ABC Columbia as “tears in the meniscus and ACL”, but the second MRI clarified the tear in the meniscus.

“The University of South Carolina is in full accord with the NCAA in regards to student-athlete welfare,” added team physician Dr. Jeff Guy through USC’s statement. “All medical-related decisions about a player’s availability are made by the medical staff only, and then relayed to the coaching staff.”

The quarterback played through multiple injuries this season, including some sort of elbow injury. USC and Hilinski looked in to Tommy John surgery, but ultimately decided to only have the procedure done on his knee.

“We are completely comfortable with how Ryan has been handled by the coaching and medical staff at South Carolina,” said Ryan’s father, Mark Hilinski. “There was no risk of further injury with his knee so Ryan continued to play and we supported his decision to do so. While it may not be necessary, he is opting to have this procedure done to get back to full go as quickly as possible.”

Hilinski’s injury now puts USC’s offensive woes this season into some perspective. The Gamecocks finished 96th in total offense and 75th in passing offense.