Former Clemson Tigers in the NFL: Week 4 update

Here are some updates on a few former Clemson Tigers in the NFL. 

Running back Wayne Gallman might see his first regular season action, defensive end Shaq Lawson has another setback, receiver Sammy Watkins looks to continue progressing after his breakout game, and receiver Mike Williams practiced every day this week.

Wayne Gallman. Gallman, a fourth round pick for the New York Giants has been inactive so far this season, but he could get his first game action on Sunday. Backups Shane Vereen and Orleans Darkwa have both missed some practice time this week with injuries. After Thursday’s practice, offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan talked to the media about the possibility of Gallman playing in his first NFL regular season game.

"You know Wayne’s been someone that has done the majority of his work on the shell team, as far as through the first part of the season. He got a lot of work there through training camp. And like a lot of our guys, you have to have a next man up mentally. (He)brings a lot of good things to the table, and if he is given the opportunity, we have confidence that he will do well for us."

If Vereen and Darkwa can’t go this weekend, then Gallman will likely be a backup to starter Paul Perkins.

Shaq Lawson. Lawson has been playing well for the Bills this season after missing seven last season with a shoulder injury. He also had arthroscopic knee surgery after the season. The Bills are 2-1 and the former 19th pick overall(2016) has 10 tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss.

He sustained a groin injury in practice earlier this week and will be a game time decision for Sunday. Lawson did not practice on Friday. If he can get healthy, he will have a chance to get his third consecutive sack in as many games.

Sammy Watkins. After an injury riddled third year with the Buffalo Bills, Watkins, the 2014 fourth overall pick, was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. In his first two games, he had seven catches, 88 yards, and zero touchdowns. But last Thursday night, Watkins busted out on the prime time stage with six catches, 106 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams beat San Francisco 41-39. He did leave the game with a head injury but has been cleared to play on Sunday. For the season, Watkins has caught 13 of 14 balls thrown in his direction.

Mike Williams. Williams hasn’t been cleared to play for the Los Angeles Chargers yet, but he participated in practice this week on a limited basis and appears to be very close to playing in his first NFL game. Chargers head coach Mike Lynn talked about how close Williams was to playing this weekend, “He was close, but we decided that he needed more time. He looked good running the ball, and he’s been in the playbook the whole time,” he said. “So he’s not that far behind mentally. We just got to get him caught up physically.”

Next: Clemson vs. Virginia Tech: 3 Keys to the game

Ironically, if things continue to go well in practice, next Sunday, he will suit up against Gallman in New York.