How Clemson is from injury standpoint after win at FSU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Clemson entered Saturday’s game at Florida State nearly fully healthy, and the Tigers left Tallahassee still in very good shape from an injury standpoint.

Reserve linebacker Matthew Maloney was banged up during a special teams play, but outside of him, Clemson remained fairly healthy against the Seminoles.

Safety Jalyn Phillips stayed down for a bit with what appeared to be a shoulder issue after a hit in the second half, but he later returned to the game.

Defensive end Xavier Thomas came out of the game late as well, but Dabo Swinney expects him to be OK.

“XT came out right at the end. He was a little sore. That’ll kind of be his story for the rest of the year, I’m sure,” Swinney said. “JP came out but he went back in, he finished. I think that’s it.”

Thomas finished with a pair of tackles and a quarterback hurry while playing in his second game of the season.

The senior made his season debut last Saturday at Boston College, recording a pair of sacks in only six snaps.

Thomas missed the first five games of the year after suffering a foot injury during fall camp.

Sheridan Jones plays well in return

Clemson got a veteran at cornerback back on Saturday as senior Sheridan Jones returned to action.

Jones suffered a pair of stingers earlier in the year and missed each of the past three games.

He was back for the matchup against the Seminoles and started opposite Nate Wiggins, finishing with four tackles, including half a tackle for loss, in the win.

“I thought Sheri did a great job. He competed well,” Swinney said. “It was good to get Sheri back. He hadn’t played in a while. He brings some experience and veteran leadership.”

Clemson also got back defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and safeties RJ Mickens and Tyler Venables after they also missed last week’s game at Boston College.

Mickens had four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, while Venables and Bresee played but did not record a defensive stat.