PITTSBURGH, Pa. — On Clemson’s first play of the game in Saturday’s 24-20 win over Pittsburgh, the 20th-ranked Tigers lost left tackle Elyjah Thurmon to injury.

Following the game, Dabo Swinney explained Thurmon’s injury and how long they expect him to be out. The Clemson coach said Thurmon injured his ankle.

“He will have to surgery, tight rope,” Swinney said. “He will have to have a little plate put in. He will heal up. He will be out for the season, but not something that is nine months or something like that.

“It will probably be for two or three months and then we will see where he is at. Hopefully, we will have him back for spring ball.”

Thurmon is the fourth Clemson offensive line to be lost for the year. The Tigers were also down starters Tristan Leigh and Marcus Tate on Saturday, as neither made the trip to Pittsburgh.

“I just could not believe it. The very first play,” Swinney said. “The very first play. It was unbelievable. I just could not believe it. But nobody flinched. Nobody panicked.”