CLEMSON — The Clemson Insider has learned another offensive starter for Clemson is banged up heading into today’s noon kickoff against No. 12 Notre Dame.
The Clemson Insider heard from several sources during the week that quarterback Cade Klubnik was limited in practice all week due to a lower leg injury. The sophomore was seen in a boot going to class earlier in the week.
There is no official word on Klubnik’s status for the Notre Dame game at the time this article was published.
TCI reported on Thursday that the Tigers will be without starting left guard Marcus Tate after he suffered a knee injury in practice earlier in the week. Left tackle Collin Sadler is also banged up and his status for today’s game is up in the air, along with wide receiver Tyler Brown, who is dealing with an eye issue and a bum shoulder.
Running back Will Shipley is also questionable to play. The junior has been in concussion protocol all week.
The Clemson offense is already without last year’s top wide receiver in Antonio Williams. After missing three games earlier this season, Williams missed last week’s NC State game due to a toe injury.
Williams injured his toe in the Tigers’ loss to Miami and head coach Dabo Swinney reported in the week leading up to the NC State game that Williams could be out for several more weeks.
On the defensive side of the ball, TCI heard freshman defensive tackle Peter Woods, who suffered a foot injury prior to the Miami game on Oct. 21, will play today. Woods missed last week’s game at NC State.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said earlier in the week that defensive end Justin Mascoll and cornerback Jeadyn Lukus are day-to-day. Their status for today’s game is questionable as well.
If Klubnik is unable to go at quarterback against the Irish, then the Tigers will likely turn to former walk-on Hunter Helms to lead the offense. The redshirt junior has played in two games this season and is 9-for-10 for 83 yards. He has not thrown a touchdown or an interception and his longest completion is 18 yards.
Prior to this season, Helms played in five games. He has thrown for 135 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 14-of-25 passes.
Klubnik is averaging 243.4 yards per game through the air, while completing 63.9 percent of his passes. He has thrown 13 touchdown passes to five interceptions. He has also run for three scores.
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