Connor Shaw: Gamecocks QB Leaves Game With Shoulder Contusion

Update: Thursday, August 30 at 9:25 p.m. ET

After injuring his right shoulder in Thursday's game against Vanderbilt, Connor Shaw has made it back to the field in the third quarter, according to Steve Greenberg of Sporting News.

Greenberg tweeted:

"

Connor Shaw back in the game.

— Steve Greenberg (@SN_Greenberg) August 31, 2012"

-- End of Update --

Connor Shaw's arm will play a major role in South Carolina's BCS bowl hopes this season, but the injury he sustained Thursday evening against Vanderbilt doesn't help that cause.

Shaw injured his throwing shoulder while scrambling for extra yardage. The Associated Press reported Shaw's specific injury via Twitter:

"

South Carolina QB Connor Shaw has left with right shoulder contusion

— AP_Top25 (@AP_Top25) August 31, 2012"

Thursday night's game was a rocky start to Shaw's 2012 season, but it's still a loss the Gamecocks cannot sustain.

Backup quarterback Dylan Thompson only attempted two passes last season, and the sophomore isn't the ideal candidate to lead a Top-10 team.

While he was one the field, Shaw struggled throwing the ball. He was 3-of-6 for 23 yards and also threw an interception while trying to find D.L. Moore on a flag route.

Despite his passing struggles, the Gamecocks did benefit from Shaw's running ability. He had 12 carries for 66 yards. His ability to get outside the pocket put a lot of stress on the Commodores defense and created room for Marcus Lattimore inside.

A contusion doesn't sound serious, but losing Shaw for any length of time will damage the Gamecocks' SEC title hopes.

Stay tuned for more information regarding Shaw's status.