Clemson announces players who will miss game against NC State

Clemson has released its travel roster for Saturday’s ACC showdown against NC State. The Tigers will be missing several key pieces against the Wolfpack on the defensive side of the ball.

Clemson has announced that starting defensive end Justin Mascoll, defensive tackle Peter Woods and reserve cornerback Jeadyn Lukus did not travel to Raleigh.

Mascoll was banged up in last weekend’s loss to Miami, while Woods played against the Hurricanes but was less than 100 percent. Lukus also missed last weekend’s game against Miami for an undisclosed reason.

In addition to those players, Dabo Swinney announced earlier this week that receiver Antonio Williams and safety RJ Mickens are out. Williams is dealing with a foot issue, while Mickens had his appendix removed earlier this week.

Justin Mascoll has started all seven games this season. The senior has 20 tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Peter Woods is considered a co-starter. He has 13 tackles, a tackle for loss and four quarterback pressures on the season.

Jeadyn Lukus has appeared in six games, with three starts. The Clemson sophomore has 10 tackles and three pass breakups on the year.

Williams led Clemson in receiving last year as a true freshman. He currently has 17 catches for 192 yards and two scores.

On a positive injury note, Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams is slated to suit up on Saturday. Williams is making his season debut after being a key contributor for the Clemson defensive line last season.

More on Clemson injuries to RJ Mickens, Antonio Williams

Dabo Swinney provided more information on what is keeping Antonio Williams and RJ Mickens on the sideline earlier this week, starting with Williams.

“It’s not his ankle, so that’s positive. It’s more of kind of underneath his toe area,” Swinney said during his press conference on Tuesday. “He’s probably going to be a few weeks. So hopefully we’ll get him back maybe by the end of the season, maybe the last couple of games. I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how he responds.”

Williams had two catches for 47 yards, prior to going down with the injury against Miami.

“Got him back and you see what he can do. He made some nice plays, but It’ll be kind of week-to-week with him,” Swinney said.

Mickens has started every game this season and is third on the team in tackles with 37.

“Mickens is going to be out. They had to take his appendix out yesterday. Stomach ache and hurting. And he had appendicitis. So he’ll be fine, but you’ve gotta heal up from getting that taken out,” Swinney said. “It’s a tough break for us there, for sure. But we’ll get them ready.”

Mickens had eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Miami. Swinney said it could be two or three weeks before he is back.