Dabo Swinney updates Clemson injuries after win over Miami

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney provided updates on a pair of starters following the Tigers’ win over Miami Saturday night.

Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee missed the game with an illness, while offensive lineman Marcus Tate was injured during the first half and did not return.

Swinney revealed that Bresee missed the game because of strep throat. He is starting to feel better but could not go on Saturday.

“He has strep throat. We were holding out until 3:30. I was hoping he’d show up at the Tiger Walk,” Swinney said. “But bless his heart. His fever broke yesterday but he just wasn’t quite able to go.”

The game was the fourth that Bresee has missed this season. It has been a difficult year for the junior as he has dealt with the death of his sister — Ella Bresee — as well as injuries and sickness.

Swinney doesn’t believe Tate’s injury is serious but said that he will get an MRI this week to confirm that he is going to be OK.

“He tweaked his knee. I don’t really know,” Swinney said. “They don’t think it’s too serious, but until you get an MRI you don’t wanna speculate on that stuff. It looked like his MCL and ACL were all good. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”

Tate has started all 11 games for Clemson in 2022. The sophomore has played well as the starting left guard. With Tate out for most of Saturday’s game, junior Mitchell Mayes filled in.

Swinney was pleased with the North Carolina native’s performance.

“Mitchell Mayes went in there and played a solid game for us. It’s good to not notice him, honestly,” Swinney said. “So he’s doing a good job.”

Swinney also said that freshman receiver Adam Randall broke a bone in his hand.

The plan is for him to play through the injury with a pad. It won’t require surgery, but Swinney does believe it led to a drop against Miami.