Dabo Swinney updates status of 3 Clemson defensive linemen

CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney updated the status of three Clemson defensive linemen during his press conference on Tuesday.

Swinney was asked about defensive end Xavier Thomas, defensive tackle Tyler Davis and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee.

Thomas has been out since suffering a foot injury during a scrimmage in fall camp.

Davis was injured in the opener against Georgia Tech and missed this past weekend’s game against Furman.

Bresee returned home to be with his family after Saturday’s game against Furman as his sister Ella continues to battle brain cancer.

Starting with Bresee, Swinney said the All-ACC performer has a lot on his mind right now.

“He’ll play if he wants to play, but he’s got more important things that he needs to focus on right now than football,” Swinney said. “A lot more important things than the game of football for that young man right now.”

Swinney added that Thomas and Davis are close to being back healthy and ready to go, but he is not going to rush them back and they will not play until they are 100 percent.

Thomas posted a video of himself jogging on social media recently, but it remains to be seen if he will suit up for Clemson on Saturday.

“They’re close. XT’s really close. We’re just kind of taking it day-by-day,” Swinney said. “He’s right there. Will probably be a game-time decision on him.”

“Probably the same thing with Tyler. He’s doing great. If he’s not quite 100 percent I’m going to hold him. But he’s close. He’s doing good.”

Davis started the opener for the Tigers against Georgia Tech and recorded two tackles in 32 snaps.

Bresee started each of Clemson’s first two games and has seven tackles, including two tackles for loss.

Thomas has yet to play for Clemson this season. The senior was named third-team All-ACC for the Tigers in 2021 after recording 27 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.