Dabo Swinney rules Trenton Simpson out for Orange Bowl, gives update on his 2023 decision

Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson will not play in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee, but coach Dabo Swinney expects him back with the Tigers in 2023. Simpson reaggravated an ankle injury in the ACC Championship and will not be healthy enough to take the field by the Dec. 30 kickoff.

However, Swinney revealed after a recent practice session that Simpson has remained with the team and does not plan on entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Trenton’s here, but he’s hurt,” Swinney said. “Trenton’s not gonna be able to play, but it’s not because he’s not here or going pro or any of that stuff. He can’t play. He’s probably ready in about three weeks, but that’s probably gonna be right at kickoff time.”

Simpson played in all but one game this season, totaling 72 tackles (four for loss), 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The year prior as a sophomore he had 65 tackles (12.5 for loss) and 6.5 sacks.

In the ACC title game this season, Simpson finished with eight tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Swinney gave credit to Simpson for playing through the injury in that game.

“You know, he missed a game battling the ankle and then he re-injured it in the championship game,” the coach said. “I assume y’all saw him come out of the game. I didn’t think he was going back in, to be honest with you. Next thing I know, he’s over there tapping me on the shoulder saying, ‘Coach, I gotta go.’ They rubbed some dirt on it, taped it up and he finished. I’ve got a great appreciation for Trenton for that. It would’ve been real easy for him to kind of stay on that sideline. Fortunately, he’s not gonna have to have surgery. It’s probably about three weeks before he’s gonna be ready to play.”

Even though Trenton Simpson won’t be on the field for the Orange Bowl, he will still be there supporting his teammates. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.