Cade Klubnik injury update: Dabo Swinney reveals how much Clemson QB has practiced leading into Duke game

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik didn’t play in the Tigers’ 35-24 loss to SMU on Oct. 18 due to an ankle injury he’d suffered in Clemson’s win over Boston College on Oct. 11. On Wednesday, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney provided an update on Klubnik’s condition.

“A good amount,” Swinney said when asked how much Klubnik had practiced the past two days. “He’s getting better each day. Proud of him. Again, we’ll put out a report tomorrow night, but he’s had a good week.

“Our team’s had a great week. These guys have really practiced with just a ton of focus, a ton of energy. It’s been a really, really good Tuesday, Wednesday. So, everybody’s done what they need to do to get ready.”

Klubnik’s absence against SMU was the first time he’d missed a game in his career. Redshirt sophomore QB Christopher Vizzina started in Klubnik’s place. He completed 29-of-his-42 pass attempts for 317 yards and three touchdowns, without throwing an interception.

Klubnik entered this season as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, but has struggled to reproduce the numbers he posted last season. Klubnik has completed 65.8% of his pass attempts for 1,530 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, while throwing five interceptions.

For reference, Klubnik finished last season with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. Like Klubnik, Clemson hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations this season.

The team entered the 2025 campaign ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25. However, the Tigers are 3-4 and an even worse 2-3 in conference play. After enjoying a bye last week, Dabo Swinney is determined for the Tigers to finish the season strong.

“We’re ready to get back into the fight around here. Last week was a great week, great prep. I’m proud of the guys and how they got back to work,” Swinney said Wednesday.

“… We’ve got 33 days left in our season. It’s crazy and it has flown by. I’m thankful that we still have an opportunity to go compete and be the best version of ourselves and have the best possible finish we can have.”

While it’s unclear if Cade Klubnik will be fully recovered by this weekend, it appears he is trending in the right direction. On Saturday, Clemson will square off against Duke at noon ET. The game will air live on the ACC Network.