South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore Carted Off the Field with Knee Injury

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore suffered a brutal knee injury in the second quarter of the Gamecocks' game against Tennessee. 

College GameDay noted the injury via Twitter, and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit pointed out the overwhelming support Lattimore received from everyone on the field.

"

#Gamecocks RB Marcus Lattimore with what looks like a knee injury. Here's hoping to a speedy recovery. Such a fun player to watch.

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 27, 2012"

"

Never seen players from BOTH teams respond to an injury like this...Tennessee players crying for him as well

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 27, 2012"

UPDATE: Monday, Oct. 29, at 3:35 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The University of South Carolina will hold a rally in Lattimore's honor today at 5 p.m. ET. 

WAFB's Pete Iacobelli reported that "University President Harris Pastides visited with Lattimore Sunday and announced a rally would be held in the player's honor on campus Monday."

A live stream of the event will be available via Gamecocksonline.com. In addition to this continued outpouring of support, ESPN's Travis Haney reports that Lattimore has another reason to smile, despite his horrific injury. 

"

Bit of good news: Marcus Lattimore gets to spend his 21st birthday (today) at home. I'm told he was discharged from hospital Sunday evening.

— Travis Haney (@TravHaneyESPN) October 29, 2012"

While this has been a brutally difficult time for Lattimore, the rally and his birthday will are positive developments that could not come at a better time.  

---End of update---

UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 27, at 2:50 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

Lattimore has been taken to the hospital after his horrific knee injury.

Gamecock Football reported the news via Twitter. 

"

Marcus Lattimore has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation @gamecocks

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) October 27, 2012"

Fans all over the country will hope he receives positive news, but his reaction and his teammate's response to the injury suggests that Lattimore will be out of football for a significant amount of time. 

---End of update---

The junior running back took a handoff from quarterback Connor Shaw and got two yards down the field before Volunteers defensive back Eric Gordon’s helmet collided with Lattimore’s knee. His leg immediately went limp, and he remained on the ground.

After several minutes, Lattimore was helped onto the cart and was surrounded by not just his teammates, but also a large group of Tennessee players. He has been an exemplary student-athlete and leader during his career at South Carolina, and the display of respect from everyone in the stadium showed this. Bleacher Report provided a photo via Twitter.

"

Tennessee and South Carolina players all on the field to show respect for Marcus Lattimore. twitter.com/BleacherReport…

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 27, 2012"

He had racked up 65 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries before going down. The production early in the game was a continuation of a fine 2012 season in which Lattimore has already scored 10 rushing touchdowns and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

It will be extremely disappointing for Lattimore if the injury causes him to miss the remainder of the season, as his sophomore campaign ended early due to a torn ACL.

Lattimore has been South Carolina’s most potent offensive weapon, and its most important player this year. The Gamecocks would certainly struggle to replace him. 

The gruesome injury is an extremely unfortunate setback for Lattimore, and as shown on the field during the game, everyone is hoping for a speedy recovery.