Connor Shaw: South Carolina QB Questionable for East Carolina Clash

The South Carolina Gamecocks will most likely be without quarterback Connor Shaw when they take on East Carolina in Saturday's home game.

--Update September 8, 11:35 p.m. ET by Alex Ballentine--

According to Daryl Slater, South Carolina beat writer for The Post and Courier, Steve Spurrier has officially named Dylan Thompson the starter over Shaw for today's game.

"

Steve Spurrier tells ESPN that Dylan Thompson will start over Connor Shaw today. Shaw dealing with bruised throwing shoulder.

— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) September 8, 2012"

This isn't unexpected as Shaw has been held out of practice for most of the week with a deep bone bruise in his shoulder.

--End of Update--

The Gamecock quarterback was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise after taking a hit late in the Vanderbilt game last week. According to South Carolina beat writer Josh Kendall, Steve Spurrier says that Shaw is "doubtful to start" and questionable to play.

"

Recapping: Connor Shaw is "doubtful" to start and "questionable" to play Steve Spurrier told @thestate. "Hopefully, we won't need him"

— Josh Kendall (@JoshatTheState) September 8, 2012"

If Coach Spurrier's comments are any indication, Shaw won't be playing against the Pirates unless South Carolina absolutely needs him.

A deep bone bruise isn't generally an injury that takes a long time to heal, but they can be very painful and, according to a report by the Associated Press earlier in the week, Shaw could barely lift his arm after the game and missed practice this week.

The Gamecocks come into this game as a pretty heavy favorite, and sophomore quarterback Dylan Thompson should see the majority of the snaps in Shaw's absence. Thompson has only five career passes at South Carolina.

With Marcus Lattimore at running back, fans can expect to see a steady diet of him once again.

Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for the latest news on Shaw's status going forward.