Clemson DE Xavier Thomas to miss time with foot injury

Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas suffered a foot injury during Saturday’s scrimmage, Clemson Sports confirmed Monday morning.

Thomas is expected to miss at least four weeks and up to six weeks, according to a source.

That puts the timeline for Thomas returning somewhere between the Furman game Sept. 10 and the Wake Forest game Sept. 24.

Clemson would obviously like to have Thomas back for the game against the Demon Deacons and for the matchup the following week against NC State.

Thomas appeared in 12 games, with 10 starts this past season. He recorded 27 tackles, with 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Thomas is one of Clemson’s top three defensive ends entering this season, alongside fellow senior KJ Henry and junior Myles Murphy.

Justin Mascoll, Kevin Swint and Cade Denhoff are among the players who could get more opportunities with Thomas sidelined.