Phil Mafah injury update: Dabo Swinney reveals Clemson RB has been battling injury ahead of ACC Championship

Clemson running back Phil Mafah has struggled to find running room the past few weeks. Entering Saturday’s ACC Championship Game against SMU, Mafah has totaled 40 carries for 97 yards over the past three games.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney revealed why Phil Mafah has been struggling as of late during a press conference on Friday to preview the ACC title game.

According to Swinney, Mafah has been battling an injury, which has limited his productivity.

“Yea, it’s just, he’s just gotta be healthy,” Dabo Swinney said. “Just been battling a little injury and hopefully we can get him through that.”

Overall it has been a strong season for Phil Mafah. The senior has rushed for 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns on the season and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. However, he had only 20 carries for 66 yards last weekend against rival South Carolina in a 17-14 loss. Clemson will likely need more production from Mafah on Saturday if it is going to beat SMU.

As for other injuries, Dabo Swinney was also asked about defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart, wide receiver Tyler Brown and safety RJ Mickens.

Capehart played seven snaps against South Carolina after he had missed the previous three games with an injury. Brown has not played since the Florida State game in early October. Mickens was hurt late in the matchup against South Carolina last weekend.

According to Swinney, all three could play against SMU.

“They all made the trip. They’re all on the bus. So they’ll be doing a walkthrough here soon, so we’ll see,” Swinney said.

The winner of Saturday’s game will clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff. Clemson’s playoff hopes seemed done after the loss to South Carolina. However, the Tigers reached the ACC title game after Syracuse upset Miami later in the day.

Now we will see if Clemson can take advantage of its second chance and reach the CFP for the first time since 2020.