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Nate Wiggins is close to being ready for play, Dabo Swinney says

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby: On3 Staff Report09/28/23
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Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins has played very well since struggling against Wake Forest. (Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

Clemson star cornerback Nate Wiggins was listed as day-to-day with a leg injury coming out of the Florida State game, and coach Dabo Swinney provided a further update on his status on Wednesday.

The junior cornerback had a strong showing against a couple elite receivers in Florida State’s Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, and the Tigers could certainly use him back.

“He’s close. He’s close,” Swinney said. “Had a good day today, so he’s getting better every day, every minute.”

The good news for Wiggins is there was no ligament damage to Wiggins when he was injured.

Clemson could use him healthy in a hurry with more challenging games on the horizon. The Tigers travel to Syracuse this week before hosting Wake Forest and then going on the road to Miami and NC State.

Getting Wiggins back before that stretch could prove pivotal to the Tigers’ chances of reaching a good bowl, potentially even a New Year’s Six bowl despite already having two losses on the season.

Nate Wiggins has arguably been the best defender for Clemson through the first four games of the season. The junior has 5 tackles, a sack, an interception and 3 pass breakups. He returned his interception for a touchdown in the opening minutes of the FAU game.

Clemson receiver Antonio Williams also day-to-day

While Nate Wiggins is banged up on the defensive side of the ball, star receiver Antonio Williams is also recovering from an injury.

Williams has been dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Week 3 against FAU. He missed last week’s loss to Florida State.

Dabo Swinney provided an update on Williams on Tuesday.

“Getting better. Same thing. Day-to-day,” Swinney said. “Improving every day.”

Williams led the Tigers with 15 catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns, prior to missing last week’s game. He is still tied for second on the team in receptions. The sophomore also led Clemson in receiving last season with 56 catches for 604 yards.

With Williams out, freshman Tyler Brown stepped up. The former Greenville High star led Clemson with five catches for 84 yards. He is currently fourth on the team with 12 catches and second in receiving yards with 163. Whether Williams plays or not, Brown should get plenty of opportunities against Syracuse.