Dabo Swinney updates several injuries after Tigers top UConn

CLEMSON — Another week, another handful of Clemson players banged up during a game.

The Tigers lost receiver Justyn Ross, defensive ends Xavier Thomas and Justin Mascoll, quarterback Taisun Phommachanh, linebackers James Skalski and Sergio Allen, defensive tackle Tre Williams and tight end Sage Ennis during Saturday’s 44-7 victory over UConn.

Ross left with a foot injury during the first quarter. He emerged from the locker room on crutches on the sideline late in the first half.

“The injury bug continues to creep up on us,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said. “Ross was off to a great start. He had three really nice plays, and then he got hurt. Had some type of foot injury, so we’ll know where he is tomorrow.”

Swinney added that Thomas tweaked his hamstring, while he wasn’t exactly sure the status of Mascoll. Skalski should be good to go next weekend against Wake Forest.

“Mascoll was banged up. I don’t know the status of him,” Swinney said. “Xavier had a little tweak in his hamstring. So we held him out after that. Skalski’s fine.”

Phommachanh, who played well for the Tigers during his one series, was dealing with a shoulder injury. Swinney will know more about his status on Sunday as well.

“Taisun got banged up. We were actually going to give him another opportunity to go back in, and we were trying to put him in and he couldn’t really do what he needed to do,” Swinney said.

Swinney did not provide an update up Ennis or Allen, while Williams continues to play through pain.

“Tre’s got every injury you can think of. He’s unbelievable. I don’t even know how he’s still playing. … He’s got foot issues, both shoulders. And he just rubs some dirt on it and keeps coming back, keeps showing up every Monday,” Swinney said. “He’ll be a guy that when we get through the season he’s got some surgery coming and we’ll get him well. He just refuses to not play. He goes out and practices every week and puts himself in a position to play. It’s amazing.”

Clemson holds several starters

In addition to the Clemson players who were banged up during Saturday’s game, the Tigers also held out multiple starters.

Right guard Will Putnam, cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., running backs Kobe Pace and Will Shipley and safety Jalyn Phillips did not play against the Huskies.

Putnam is expected to be back full-go on Monday, while Shipley and Pace should be good to go for Clemson’s game with Wake Forest as well. Swinney did not provide an update on Booth or Phillips.

“Kobe didn’t practice all week. He just took some reps in green, so no live reps. He was pretty shook up, just going to be an emergency only,” Swinney said. “Shipley looked good on Wednesday and Thursday, but that foot was hurting. Just didn’t want to have a setback, and we felt good about [Phil] Mafah and [Darien Rencher].”