“Banged Up”: Dawn Staley’s Update on Tessa Johnson’s Health May Raise Concerns for Gamecocks

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley provided a health update on guard Tessa Johnson. She didn’t return in the second half during the 88-45 win over Mississippi State. The guard scored three points, grabbed three rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes.

After the game, Staley clarified that Johnson is “banged up” but ruled out any significant injury, suggesting the move to take her out of the game was precautionary. By halftime, the Gamecocks were having a large deal; they didn’t feel the need to risk Johnson.

“She’s just banged up,” Staley said of Johnson. “We afforded ourselves to get a big lead and not (having to) put her in a situation where she could hurt herself more. She’s just a little sore so we opted to keep her out and get her ready for the Tennessee game.”

South Carolina women’s basketball reporter Lulu Kesin relayed the update on X:

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5), guard Te-Hina Paopao (0), and head coach Dawn Staley celebrate their win over the LSU Lady Tigers at Colonial Life Arena.

Johnson was spotted running the bike behind the bench in the early part of the third quarter. Her lower stomach was wrapped, but she also high-fived her fellow players, meaning she was not having too much trouble with whatever injury she suffered.

Tessa Johnson is having a fine season with Staley’s Gamecocks, averaging 14.1 points per game. She leads all Gamecocks shooters with 45.9% 3-point shooting. Before this game, she scored 19 points in the win against Texas A&M.

It is uncertain whether the latest undisclosed injury will prevent Johnson from playing the next game against Tennessee on Feb. 8.

What Tessa Johnson’s injury Means for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks

Tessa Johnson is a key figure in the starting lineup as she’s capable of scoring, expanding the floor and defending well too. Her scoring average is third on the team and she is right there among the best when it comes to perimeter defense. When she isn’t on the floor, the team suffers from offensive versatility.

The game against No. 17 Tennessee is an important one. The Gamecocks will need every hand on deck when they face the Volunteers, who are 15-5 on the season and 7-1 in the SEC.

It remains to be seen if we receive more injury updates on Johnson as the week progresses.