Photo courtesy of Guardian Express

COLUMBIA – South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier may have been trying to send a message to his star defender, Jadeveon Clowney, when telling the media Monday that he could sit out the North Carolina game if he doesn’t return to practice soon.

According to NBC Sports, Clowney has been in and out of practice due to a shoulder injury, and previously a knee injury.

After Monday’s practice, Spurrier told the media, “if (Clowney’s shoulder) doesn’t come around real soon, we may play without him the first game.” He went on to mention that a number of players “act like they are really hurt” and that he’ll “handle those guys.”

With less than three weeks to kickoff, Tar Heel fans will likely be keeping an eye on No. 7 and the amount of time he’s able to practice.