Dabo Swinney confirms Tyler Venables is back, available for Clemson

Riding back-to-back wins, Clemson fans are in a good place. On Tuesday, head coach Dabo Swinney added to the excitement with a promising update on Tyler Venables’ condition.

“He’s back. They released him this week,” Swinney said. “He’s back and will be available. Obviously, he hasn’t played, but he did scout team last week. In fact, he was scout team player of the week. Imagine that. That was good to see.”

Venables has not played in a game this season. The senior safety has been sidelined this year while working his way back from a hip surgery he received this summer. It isn’t Venables’ first setback in his career.

“He’s excited. He’s worked really, really hard to get back. He’s been through a lot with labrum and his hip and his groin and his torn hamstrings and all that stuff,” Swinney said.

Despite constant obstacles, Venables has posted a solid career with Clemson. In 34 games, Venables has tallied 98 tackles (5.5 for loss), a sack, an interception and seven pass breakups in 716 defensive snaps.

Venables appeared in 10 games last season, recording 37 tackles (one for loss), a pass breakup and a team-high seven special teams tackles. The South Carolina native hasn’t allowed his injury to prevent him from helping his team.

“Everybody loves [Venables], man. He’s been a coach for us. He’s been on the headset,” Swinney said. “He’s going to be a great coach one day. I think it’s been a good perspective for him as we’ve gone through games and stuff.”

Dabo Swinney previews North Carolina matchup

Venables’ return couldn’t come at a better time. Clemson’s final two games of the season are both against rival programs: North Carolina and South Carolina. Swinney is excited for the matchup against the Tar Heels.

“November is here and we have the opportunity to have a great finish,” Swinney said. “It’s a heck of a football team coming in this weekend. Another elite quarterback— (Drake Maye) is going to play football for a long time.

“A cool opportunity to play against one of the best. He’s one of them guys that makes the coaches better, he makes the fans better, he makes the popcorn taste better. Everything is better when you have a guy like that under center.”

In his return, Venables will look to help Clemson’s secondary shut down Maye. On Saturday, the Tigers will square off against North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.