Clemson DE Justin Foster will miss rest of season due to injury

CLEMSON — The injury bug continues to bite Clemson.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney announced during his Sunday teleconference that defensive end Justin Foster is out for the season.

Foster has been battling a back injury that will require surgery. He did not play in Saturday’s game at Pitt.

“He’s been battling a lower back, so we’ve done a couple of epidurals on him, and it’s just not really getting the job done,” Swinney said. “So it’s just at the point where he’s going to have to have some back surgery to alleviate the problem. That’s going to put him out for the rest of the year.”

The North Carolina native finishes the season with five tackles in four games. He chose to come back this season after originally announcing that he was retiring from football.

Foster has one more season of eligibility remaining since last year was a COVID year and did not count. Swinney is unsure if Foster will use it.

Other notable Tigers injuries

In addition to Foster, Swinney announced following Saturday’s game that receiver Frank Ladson, offensive lineman Matt Bockhorst and tight end Braden Galloway will likely be out for the year.

Ladson has a groin injury and had season-ending surgery last week. Galloway suffered a separated shoulder and is “most likely” out for the year.

Swinney said Friday night that he believed Bockhorst had a torn ACL and he confirmed Sunday that he indeed does.

Bockhorst has another year of eligibility left as well but he is not planning to use it and his career at Clemson is over.

“Your heart breaks for him. I mean that kid has given every ounce of everything he’s had in his career. Proud of all that he’s accomplished,” Swinney said. “He’s a national champion. He’s a multiple ACC champion. He’s a two-time graduate. I just really appreciate everything that he’s done. I know that he’ll continue to still serve this team and lead. Love that guy.”