Clemson RB Kobe Pace out multiple weeks, Dabo Swinney says

Clemson running back Kobe Pace missed Saturday’s game against Boston College. Although the Tigers didn’t need him to win, head coach Dabo Swinney announced after the game that Pace could miss several weeks with a high ankle sprain.

The junior watched from home as Clemson notched a 31-3 win over BC Saturday night.

“Kobe’s going to probably be out for a few weeks. Y’all probably remember the Wake Forest game, he got hurt. (Pace) had a high ankle sprain,” Swinney said. “He tried to come back. He tried to come back last week at NC State and I think he ran for maybe two plays and just couldn’t make a cut.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Pace had a procedure done earlier this week on his ankle with the hope that he’ll be able to return as the Tigers near the postseason.

“That’s a big loss for us, for sure. He’ll probably be out at least probably four weeks,” Swinney said. “So we did the procedure on him Thursday. Hopefully, when we get back for our home stretch the last part of November, he’ll be back, but he’ll definitely be out for a few weeks.”

“They actually went ahead and did the tightrope procedure on him, which that’s a good thing, because when you’re dealing with a high ankle sprain, that’ll get him back sooner than later,” Swinney added.

Pace is one of Clemson’s top three backs, alongside Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. He has 59 rushing yards and two touchdowns so far this season.

A native of Cedartown, Georgia, Pace started six games for the Tigers last season, finishing with 641 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He also had 12 catches for 131 yards in 2021.

Banged-up Clemson Tigers notch Week 6 win

The Tigers had several injuries going into Week 6. On top of Pace, safeties Tyler Venables and RJ Mickens did not travel, nor did starting cornerback Sheridan Jones. Star defensive tackle Bryan Bresee also did not play as he continues to deal with a non-football-related medical issue.

In Week 7, Clemson travels once again, this time facing Florida State in Tallahassee. The Seminoles lost to NC State on Saturday in a close 19-17 battle.

On3’s Matt Connolly contributed to this report.