Dabo Swinney updates Clemson injuries ahead of Notre Dame game

The bye week was much-needed for the Clemson football team as players had time to rest and heal up before the final four games of the season.

The Tigers are in a good spot from an injury standpoint as they head to Notre Dame for an important nonconference matchup.

At this time last year, Clemson was incredibly banged up on offense. But as the calendar turns to November of 2022, the Tigers are almost full go.

“Health wise we’re as good as we’ve been in a long time,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said during his Tuesday press conference. “Obviously it’s Tuesday practice and today and tomorrow will be tough practices as we really ramp it back up and get ready for game mode, but we’re in a good spot going into this phase of our season from a health standpoint.”

One contributor who is likely to miss Saturday’s game is running back Kobe Pace.

The junior suffered a high ankle sprain early in the season and has missed the past three games.

Clemson was hopeful that he would be back against the Irish, but it seems as though the Louisville game on Nov. 12 is more realistic.

“He’s much better. He’s probably next week. That’s kind of where we are,” Swinney said. “We were hopeful for this week. But he’s probably not going to make it this week. I think he’s going to be close for Saturday, but probably more next week.”

Clemson DL Bryan Bresee, Xavier Thomas progressing

Two Clemson players who missed time earlier this season are doing much better and should be more involved the latter part of the season.

Defensive end Xavier Thomas and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee both benefited from the bye week as they continue to work their way back to full strength.

Thomas missed the first five games of the season after suffering a foot injury in fall camp. He has played an average of 17 snaps per game in the three games he has played. That number should be about to go up.

“I think the biggest thing for XT, because he’s done a great job on his conditioning side, is just two more weeks of just great healing in that foot,” Swinney said. “You’ll see him ramp it up over this month. I’ve got high expectations for him in November, and we’re going to need him. We’re going to need him down the stretch.”

Thomas has 4 tackles, including 2 sacks, so far this season. Both sacks came in Clemson’s win at Boston College when he was on the field for only six plays.

“Obviously it was a tough situation for him in camp, but he’s gotten a couple of games under his belt, gotten the rust off himself, got some conditioning back going,” Swinney said. “He’s in the best spot he’s been as far as how he feels and his ability to really do what he wants to do. … he’s got confidence. I think this is an opportunity for him to really finish well and have a great ending.”

As for Bresee, he has missed three games this season due to his sister passing away from brain cancer and a non-football medical issue he was dealing with.

Bresee played 22 snaps against Florida State and 33 snaps against Syracuse after returning. He also appears ready to up his work load. The junior has 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks on the year.

“Obviously he’s missed a lot in his conditioning and just football speed not quite where it needs to be because he missed a lot of time,” Swinney said. “So [the bye week has] been good. Good week last week and off to a good start this week. If he’s on the field for the month of November, he’ll have a great finish to the season. There’s no doubt about that.”