Dabo Swinney updates Tigers injuries, talks defense, running backs
Clemson has had good news and bad news this week in regards to injuries. First, we’ll start with the good news.
After Dabo Swinney orginally said Sunday night that receiver E.J. Williams will be out 4-to-6 weeks, he provided an update on Tuesday, stating that Williams will try to play through the thumb injury, which was expected to sideline him through Clemson’s bye week in early October.
Williams will practice this week with his thumb wrapped and in a splint and see how it goes. Swinney is unsure at this point if he will for sure be able to play through the injury.
“E.J., a little bit of a turn of events there. He really wants to try to play, so we’re going to see where he is today and tomorrow, see if he can do it,” Swinney said. “He’s gonna have to have the surgery [at some point]… but he thinks he can play, so we’re gonna try to tape him up, splint it up, see how he does at practice today and tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Tyler Davis is expected back this week after being out last week due to COVID-19 protocol. Offensive lineman Mason Trotter and safety Nolan Turner are nearing a return, Swinney said.
“I think we’re gonna get Trotter back next week, hopefully, but he will be clubbed up. So all he can really do is be able to play guard and be an extra guy for us, which still, he’s got a lot of knowledge and he’s a functional guy. But not going to be able to snap for a little while,” Swinney said.
“Nolan’s great. He’s not going to play this week, but he’s really close. I think he’ll be a full-go for next week. I’m really excited with where he is and getting him back.”
On a negative note, Swinney announced Monday night on his call-in show that safety Lannden Zanders is out for the season.
Tigers defense bounces back
While the offense struggled Saturday night against Georgia, the defense couldn’t have played much better. Taking the field for the first time since getting embarrassed against Ohio State, the Tigers held Georgia to only 3 offensive points and 256 total yards.
After having a young defense in 2019 and a young defense that dealt with injuries and COVID-19 in 2020, Swinney expects this year’s group to be elite.
“We’re just an incredibly seasoned group. We’ve got a lot of water under the bridge over there – everywhere,” Swinney said. “Really proud of them. Thought they did a great job. We were physical. That’s a great offensive line and we really did a good job.”
Running back competition continues
Clemson played three running backs Saturuday night against Georgia — Kobe Pace, Will Shipley and Lyn-J Dixon.
But it’s hard to say anyone separated because none of the backs got many opportunities. Pace started and played 28 snaps, finishing with 4 carries for 7 yards and 1 reception for 6 yards.
Shipley played 19 snaps, also rushing 4 times for 7 yards. He added an 11-yard reception.
Dixon was suspended for the first half but still ended up playing 18 snaps. He had 1 carry for 10 yards and was targeted once in the passing game but did not haul it in.
Both Swinney and offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said the Tigers should have stuck with the running game more.
“We didn’t really give them a chance,” Swinney said. “[The coaching staff] made some mistakes, too. We should’ve hung in there on the running game a little more and didn’t do it. That’s definitely something we can improve on.”