Clemson injury updates: Dabo Swinney provides latest on multiple injuries

Injuries have taken a major toll on the Clemson Tigers this season. Despite that, head coach Dabo Swinney knows that the Tigers are going to need to find a way to overcome those challenges.

Ahead of Clemson’s game against The Citadel, Swinney updated several injuries at Clemson. That started with the offensive line, which has so many injuries it’s been difficult to practice.

“I think we’ve got nine guys out for practice today,” Dabo Swinney said. “We’re just trying to figure out how to practice today. So, it’s gonna be interesting.”

Swinney would go on to be more specific about offensive linemen Tristan Leigh and Marcus Tate, both of whom are trying to get back this season.

“Tristan was closer last week,” Swinney said. “Both of them are questionable for this week, but both headed in a good direction. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Beyond those two, it appears another offensive lineman, Elyjah Thurmon is going to be out for the foreseeable future. The freshman offensive lineman will have surgery that he is going to need to take time to recover from.

“He’s having surgery tomorrow,” Swinney said. “He’ll have surgery tomorrow so keep him in your prayers. He has a great attitude and a great spirit. I hate it for him and for our team. Part of it, but he’ll be back better than ever.”

From there, Swinney shared a relatively positive update on wide receiver Tyler Brown, who is improving but has the question of potentially using a redshirt hanging over him as he’s only played in four games this season.

“Yeah, but he won’t be back until after the South Carolina game,” Swinney said.

Dabo Swinney then turned his attention to several defensive injuries. That included RJ Mickens, an experienced defensive back who is “limited, but he’s out there.” Then, linebacker Wade Woodaz has also shown improvement.

“He’s getting better. It’s kind of down. It’s left his thigh and now it’s just down in his calf where everything is draining. It was a nasty, nasty bruise. Contusion. He’s getting better each day,” Swinney said. “We were hoping it could loosen up where he could be available last Saturday and he just couldn’t get there but he’s much improved and hopefully keep getting in that direction.”

Finally, Dabo Swinney added that defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart is also improving and now could be considered day-to-day.

“He’s getting better,” Swinney said. “He’s getting better. He’s certainly not ready this week, but he’s day-to-day at this point. I’d take him from week-to-week to day-to-day.”

Dealing with that amount of injuries is never easy. However, the Tigers will have two weeks to end the season without needing to play another ACC opponent. Instead, they close out against The Citadel and South Carolina.