Clemson football injury update vs Syracuse, includes multiple offensive starters
Story by
Clemson football injury update vs Syracuse, includes multiple offensive starters
Nick Coppola, Greenville News·Greenville News
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
CLEMSON —Clemson footballcoachDabo Swinneyannounced several injuries, including three offensive starters, on the Nov. 2 episode of his "Tiger Hour" radio show.
Swinney said that starting left guard Elyjah Thurmon is back on campus and in team meetings, but that he's in concussion protocol. Thurmon took a hit to the head inClemson's36-24 win over Florida Stateon Oct. 31 and was kept overnight in a Tallahassee hospital before being discharged and flown back.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sophomore Gavin Blanchard will start at left guard for the Tigers (5-3, 3-2 ACC) against Syracuse (4-4, 2-4) on Nov. 7 (noon, ESPN2), per Clemson's Week 10 depth chart.
The Tigers will be down two starting offensive linemen against theOrange, as center Harris Sewell won't play. Swinney said freshman Grant Wise, who played 15 snaps at center against FSU, will take over at center.
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes against Georgia Southern University during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks with quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) signs an autograph on a shirt after the game at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026. Clemson won 22-7.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) before kickoff before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws a pass against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles defensive lineman Mj Stroud (18) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Festus Davies (9) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) before kickoff before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles defensive back Aaron Sears (2) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scrambles against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) talks with media after the game at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026. Clemson won 22-7.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2), left, and quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during a break in the game with Georgia Southern University in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) evades a tackle by LSU Tigers defensive tackle Deuce Geralds (99) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes in a drill during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 7, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws with Christopher Vizzina (17), left, and Chris Denson (15) during Spring football practice at the Reeves Football Complex in Clemson, SC Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds during a practice at Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek, Arizona on Oct. 30, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Queen Creek High baseball and softball players Tait Reynolds and his sister Emma in Queen Creek on April 15, 2025.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) scrambles to avoid pressure against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) scrambles to avoid pressure against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) runs downfield against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
1/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes against Georgia Southern University during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
1/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes against Georgia Southern University during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
2/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney talks with quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
3/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) signs an autograph on a shirt after the game at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026. Clemson won 22-7.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
4/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) before kickoff before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
5/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws a pass against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles defensive lineman Mj Stroud (18) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws a pass while under pressure from Georgia Southern Eagles linebacker Festus Davies (9) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) before kickoff before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
9/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) is tackled by Georgia Southern Eagles defensive back Aaron Sears (2) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes the ball against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 12, 2026; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scrambles against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
(Butch Dill, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) talks with media after the game at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026. Clemson won 22-7.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
13/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2), left, and quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) during a break in the game with Georgia Southern University in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
14/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) evades a tackle by LSU Tigers defensive tackle Deuce Geralds (99) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) listens to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
16/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes in a drill during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 7, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Thursday, August 6, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
19/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) scores during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
20/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina, Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
21/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first half at the annnual Clemson Orange and White spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina Saturday, March 28, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
22/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) throws with Christopher Vizzina (17), left, and Chris Denson (15) during Spring football practice at the Reeves Football Complex in Clemson, SC Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
23/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
24/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) during the first Spring football practice open to media in Clemson, SC Friday, Feb 27, 2026.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co)
25/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds during a practice at Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek, Arizona on Oct. 30, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
26/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Queen Creek High baseball and softball players Tait Reynolds and his sister Emma in Queen Creek on April 15, 2025.
(Michael Chow/The Republic)
27/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) scrambles to avoid pressure against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
28/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) scrambles to avoid pressure against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
29/29
Tait Reynolds, Clemson football freshman quarterback for Dabo Swinney
Queen Creek quarterback Tait Reynolds (1) runs downfield against ALA Queen Creek during a game at ALA Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek on Nov. 8, 2024.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Wise has played 111 snaps this season as a rotational player, with 27 coming at center. All 27 came against Charleston Southern on Oct. 17 and against the Seminoles.
"He's played in big games. He's played on the road," Swinney said. He's not a freshman anymore ... It's Game 9."
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Starting running back Gideon Davidson, ranked 10th in the ACC with 528 rushing yards, is unlikely to play against Syracuse in what Swinney called a "not great" injury situation. Swinney said Davidson is week-to-week with an injury.
Jarvis Green, who's rushed for 125 yards on 32 carries in a backup role, is listed as Clemson's starting running back against Syracuse. Chris Johnson Jr. is the second-string running back, and Jay Haynes is the third-stringer.
"When he's been available, he's been productive ... Every time he runs, he falls forward, and it feels like he gets at least 4 yards," Swinney said of Green. "And then he'll break one for 15 yards."
Swinney also said on "Tiger Hour" that linebacker Kobe McCloud will be out for a couple of weeks with an injury. The senior has played in all eight of Clemson's games as a rotational linebacker and has made six total tackles.
McCloud was taken off of the Tigers' depth chart for the Syracuse game, leaving Fletcher Cothran and C.J. Kubah-Taylor as the only backup linebackers listed on the two-deep list.
Swinney didn't provide an update on backup receiver Gordon Sellars III, who's missed the last two games due to a concussion. Sellars has made three catches for eight yards.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Nick Coppola covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA Today Network. Email him at ncoppola@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @Nick_Coppola__ and like his Facebook page at Nick Coppola, Clemson Sports.
