Dylan Stewart returns to South Carolina practice; Florida status undecided

South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart returned to practice Tuesday after his suspension, but coach Shane Beamer has not decided whether he will play against Florida on Saturday. Beamer announced Stewart’s return during his weekly news conference following practice.

ESPN reported that Stewart was back on the field with the team. Beamer said the decision about Saturday would be made as the week progressed, leaving practice participation and game availability as separate parts of his return.

Stewart had been suspended indefinitely by South Carolina after multiple incidents during the September 26 loss at Alabama. ESPN reported that he punched an Alabama player and argued with coaches during the 49-18 game. The SEC and South Carolina jointly announced a one-game suspension following the incident.

He did not attend last Saturday’s 35-34 loss to Kentucky. Tuesday’s return therefore followed a game in which the Gamecocks played without him. It does not by itself establish that the disciplinary decision about Florida has been completed.

SportsTalkSC’s account of Beamer’s Tuesday news conference added that this was Stewart’s first day back in team meetings and practice since the Alabama game. Beamer said he and Stewart had held conversations during the week and described the player as having learned and grown from the experience.

Stewart is a former all-conference selection. His return brings an established edge defender back into South Carolina’s preparations, but Beamer’s stated position leaves his next appearance unresolved. ESPN’s account described a decision still to come rather than an announced clearance for Saturday.

The Gamecocks’ official news-conference page identifies Tuesday’s preparations as being for a road trip to No. 16 Florida. South Carolina enters that trip after three consecutive SEC losses, according to SportsTalkSC’s report. The team will continue its preparations while Beamer considers Stewart’s game status.

Stewart’s return is a change in South Carolina’s preparations this week. Beamer’s eventual game-status decision will determine whether that becomes an on-field return against Florida.