Clemson’s trip to California comes with a short injury list that is anything but simple.
The Tigers will head into their first ACC road game of the season on Sept. 25 with several defensive starters and key depth pieces showing up on the initial injury report, including starting nickel Corian Gipson and defensive tackle Devarrick Woods. Clemson (2-1, 1-0 ACC) and California (2-1, 1-0) are set for a 10:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.
Gipson, who exited the North Carolina game after just two snaps, is listed as questionable. Dabo Swinney said on Sept. 22 that Gipson was "banged up" throughout last week and is currently "working his way" back to full health. Swinney said the nickel defender was limited in practice and tried to go against UNC before backing out once the game got going.
"He tried and just wasn't quite ready," Swinney said. "Really limited throughout the week. Just had a little tweak and just didn't really practice much, but thought he was going to be able to play in the game, and I think he went a series or so, and he just wasn't confident enough that he could that he could do what he needed to do."
Woods is also questionable after being elevated to co-starter ahead of the UNC matchup. He finished that game with one tackle and has four total tackles on the season.
Clemson’s injury report also includes running back Jay Haynes, who has not played since tearing his ACL in the 2024 ACC Championship Game against SMU. Swinney said on Sept. 22 that Haynes is "working his way back" and continuing to progress in his recovery. Haynes ran for 295 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.
On the other side of the roster, former Clemson starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina is listed as probable with an elbow issue. Vizzina did not dress for the North Carolina game after swelling in his left elbow kept him from recovering enough in time. Swinney said the swelling affected his grip on the football.
Vizzina’s injury came in Clemson’s 22-7 win over Georgia Southern on Sept. 12. Swinney said on Sept. 22 that Vizzina had taken reps the day before and is improving each day.
"(Vizzina) took some reps yesterday," Swinney said on Sept. 22.
"He's getting better each each day, and the biggest thing ... It's just getting the full movement ...
It's just being able to really turn and really push the ball, load the ball."
Clemson’s report also lists a long group of players out: S Polo Anderson, CB Shavar Young Jr, WR Cole Turner, RB Peyton Streko, WR Keil McGriff, DT Hevin Brown-Shuler, DT Kourtney Kelly, LB Joseph Roberto II, OL Adam Guthrie, OL Mason Wade and DT Markus Strong.
California’s report includes four players listed as doubtful: RB Carter Vargas, DL Frank Fauna Jr., OL Lamar Robinson and DL Nate Burrell.
In Other News...
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The matchup carries real pressure because both sides bring a clear identity into it, with Clemson looking to build on recent positive signs while trying to avoid the kind of defensive lapse that can turn a long trip into a long night. Cal also has enough offensive firepower to make this interesting, so the focus turns to how Clemson handles the road setting, the passing game, and the small errors that can decide a game like this before the fourth quarter even settles in. [Read more 🡒]
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Clemson Suddenly Has A Friday Night Rotation Concern In Berkeley
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One of the more notable situations is in the secondary, where nickelback Corian Gipson landed on the report after being limited in practice and briefly leaving the North Carolina game. Clemson also has to sort through the status of Haynes, who was re-evaluated after being on ice, even as the specifics around his situation remain murky. At quarterback, Tait Reynolds is expected to stay in place after his recent showing, but the Tigers still have enough moving parts on the availability front to make this a Friday night worth watching closely in Berkeley. [Read more 🡒]