Dabo Swinney reveals Clemson RB Will Shipley is 'trending back' with return to play

Dabo Swinney provided a positive update on Clemson running back Will Shipley during his press conference on Tuesday.

Shipley is trending in the right direction and it seems as though he is likely to be able to suit up for Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech, according to Swinney.

“Will was able to go in green yesterday, so he’s trending back,” Swinney said. “So unless we have some type of setback or something, we do expect him to get back.”

Will Shipley was injured on a tough hit near the goal line on Oct. 28 against NC State. He left the game in the second quarter and did not return.

Swinney said ahead of last week’s game against Notre Dame that Shipley was in concussion protocol. He didn’t play against the Irish but has been cleared as far as concussion protocol and seems close to being back to full strength.

“His head and all that’s good, it’s just more of making sure his neck and everything is where it needs to be,” Swinney said. “So he looked good last night, so we’ll see where he looks today. Big day today and tomorrow. We’ll be in pads both days and see how he responds to that.”

Shipley has rushed for 515 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. He also has 20 receptions for 120 yards and two scores. The junior was named a first-team All-ACC selection last season.

Dabo Swinney updates other Clemson injuries

In addition to Will Shipley, Dabo Swinney provided an update on several other Tigers players who are banged up.

Swinney shared that starting safety Jalyn Phillips and starting cornerback Sheridan Jones will remain out this week. Both players also missed last weekend’s game against Notre Dame.

The good news for Clemson is that starting safety RJ Mickens and starting defensive end Justin Mascoll are likely to play against the Yellow Jackets, according to Swinney.

Mickens has missed each of the past two games after getting his appendix removed, while Mascoll has also missed the last two contests.

While those players will be back, receiver Antonio Williams and offensive lineman Marcus Tate are still a ways away from being able to suit up.

The hope is that Williams will be back before the end of the season and Tate could possibly return for a bowl game.

Clemson has a huge matchup on Saturday’ against a Georgia Tech team that has topped the 40-point mark the past two games. Both teams are battling to become bowl eligible this weekend.