The Clemson Tigers will be without several starters this week against No. 15 Notre Dame.
It was reported earlier in the week by Tiger Illustrated that starting left guard Marcus Tate (knee) would miss Saturday’s game and potentially the remainder of the season while starting left tackle Colin Sadler and wide receiver Tyler Brown’s status is up in the air.
Well, we now know the status of star running back Will Shipley, who will miss Saturday’s game, reports ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Shipley, the team’s leading rusher, entered the concussion protocol following Clemson’s loss to NC State last week. After taking a hit, which inexplicably wasn’t ruled as targeting during the 24-17 loss, Shipley did not progress enough to return for Saturday’s game against the Fighting Irish.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney had previously referred to Shipley’s status as “day-to-day,” so his designation for Saturday’s game doesn’t exactly come as a surprise, but it’s a huge loss for the Tigers’ offense, nonetheless.
Shipley, one of Clemson’s top offensive players, averages 4.6 yards per carry and has rushed for 515 yards and five touchdowns this season. His absence will be a setback for the Clemson offense, which ranks 63rd nationally in scoring offense. Notre Dame enters the game with the country’s 9th-ranked scoring defense.
Those in the college football world were quick to react to the huge injury announcement.
He’s literally all of Clemson’s offense lol Notre Dame better not lose to them https://t.co/yaZTavPo53
— Anthony Tyson (@AnthonyTyson716) November 4, 2023
Cade Klubnik today. https://t.co/GhsbP1fLvS pic.twitter.com/XP3BghRgmd
— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) November 4, 2023
As suspected. Head/neck injury like he suffered almost never gets cleared a week later.
Hope he recovers quickly. https://t.co/mKP5WDVyWF
— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) November 4, 2023
Someone get Tyler in Spartanburg on the phone. https://t.co/04zW2sxacu
— Nate 🐶🏈 (@NateDawgUga) November 4, 2023
Big blow for Clemson against Notre Dame. https://t.co/kr42jJ5CAP
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 4, 2023
No surprise, please get Jay Haynes some touches. The only difference maker speed wise in that RB room. https://t.co/ROl5nA1RPs
— Tiger Commenter (@TigerCommenter) November 4, 2023
Per Thamel, Shipley “did not progress enough to return Saturday.” Not entirely surprising but still a big loss for the Tigers https://t.co/9hsiOsz7aZ
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) November 4, 2023
In Shipley’s absence, the expectation is that Phil Mafah will receive the bulk of carries, while freshmen Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green could be in the mix for some touches as well.
[ESPN]
