SEC News: Holmes injured, Forston returns to practice

Two SEC teams that were in action -- in separate games -- on Wednesday night, South Carolina and Arkansas, were without key starters -- and it is unclear when either will return.

South Carolina junior forward Mike Holmes is out indefinitely with a facial fracture and an eye injury, and underwent surgery on Tuesday. Head coach Darrin Horn said that Holmes' return "won't be anytime soon." Holmes injured himself "horsing around at home," where he was for Thanksgiving break.

The Gamecocks are already without forward Dominique Archie, who suffered a knee sprain against Miami (Fl.) two weekends ago. In the absence of Holmes and Archie, South Carolina started forward Austin Steed and swingman Brandis Raley-Ross. 

Also in the SEC, Arkansas sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson has returned to practice but there is still no timetable for his return. Fortson was one of five players suspended in mid-November for violating unspecified team rules. However, he is the only scholarship Razorback still on the sideline. In his absence, Arkansas is 2-5, including a four-game losing streak with defeats at the hands of Morgan State, East Tennessee State and South Alabama -- all at home.