Texas A&M finally received some encouraging injury news ahead of Saturday's showdown against South Carolina, but the Aggies still face serious personnel questions entering another critical SEC road game.

Linebacker Noah Mikhail was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday's updated SEC availability report, improving his chances of playing against the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium.

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That's an important development for head coach Mike Elko, whose team desperately needs its defensive playmakers available.

Mikhail ranks second on the Aggies with 36 tackles this season. He's also recorded one tackle for loss, one pass breakup and two quarterback hurries.

Under SEC guidelines, a player listed as probable is considered "likely to play, barring any setbacks."

But the news isn't nearly as encouraging on offense.

Freshman running back KJ Edwards remains questionable, leaving Texas A&M uncertain whether its leading rusher will be available Saturday.

Edwards has emerged as one of the Aggies' few consistent offensive weapons, rushing for 360 yards and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.5 yards per carry.

His availability could be particularly important for quarterback Marcel Reed, who has struggled to generate consistent offense against SEC competition.

Without Edwards, Texas A&M could be forced to lean more heavily on its passing attack, something that hasn't consistently produced results on the road.

The Aggies have already ruled out wide receivers Terry Bussey and Kelshaun Johnson, along with offensive lineman Blake Ivy.

Receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman is also questionable after missing the team's recent games. He's appeared in five contests this season, catching seven passes for 56 yards.

South Carolina isn't exactly entering Saturday at full strength, either.

The Gamecocks have ruled out eight players, including defensive lineman Jordan Thomas, defensive back J'Zavien Currence and offensive linemen Josiah Thompson, Dayne Arnett and Seth Smith.

Wide receiver Donovan Murph has been upgraded to probable, giving quarterback LaNorris Sellers another potential receiving option.

For Texas A&M, the injury concerns add another obstacle to an already disappointing season.

The Aggies enter Saturday at 4-4 overall and just 1-4 in SEC play after losing 31-20 to Alabama before their bye week.

South Carolina, meanwhile, is 5-3 and has won three consecutive games.

Elko's team has struggled mightily in hostile SEC environments, and losing additional offensive contributors certainly won't make Saturday's assignment easier.

The return of Mikhail would provide a meaningful defensive boost, but Edwards' availability could ultimately have the bigger impact on Texas A&M's chances.

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The Aggies need a victory to salvage some momentum from their disappointing season. They also need enough healthy playmakers to make that possible.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Source: Yahoo Sports