Clemson starting WR to miss at least a couple of weeks with injury

CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney announced during his Sunday teleconference that starting receiver Joseph Ngata will be out at least a couple of weeks with a foot injury.

Ngata left Saturday’s game at Louisville in the second half and did not return. He had two catches for 34 yards before leaving the game.

Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott revealed after Saturday’s game that Ngata had been battling a foot injury heading into the game.

Clemson hosts UConn this weekend before a huge ACC matchup with Wake Forest on Nov. 20.

Swinney said the hope is that Ngata will be back for the regular season finale at South Carolina.

Ngata is Clemson’s second leading receiver with 23 catches for 438 yards and a touchdown. He leads the Tigers in yards per catch, averaging 19 yards per reception.

With Ngata out, Justyn Ross, EJ Williams and Beaux Collins will be counted on to make plays. He trails only Justyn Ross, who has 43 catches for 474 yards.

Swinney added that running back Kobe Pace and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. are in concussion protocol. Swinney is hopeful they will be cleared for Saturday.

Clemson has dealt with numerous injuries throughout the 2021 season. The Tigers have 14 players who are out for the year either because of injuries or due to transferring.

Clemson is 6-3 (5-2) with three regular season games remaining. The Tigers held off Louisville for a 30-24 victory Saturday night at Cardinal Stadium.

Clemson players out for season

WR Frank Ladson

DT Bryan Bresee

WR Brannon Spector (likely)

WR Will Taylor

S Lannden Zanders

DE Justin Foster

OL Matt Bockhorst

OL John Williams

OL Dietrick Pennington

OL Tayquon Johnson

TE Braden Gallway (likely)

S Joseph Charleston (transfer)

RB Lyn-J Dixon (transfer)

RB Michel Dukes (transfer)

Injury report for UConn

WR Joseph Ngata (Out, foot injury)

RB Kobe Pace (Hopeful, concussion protocol)

CB Andrew Booth (Hopeful, concussion protocol)