Clemson football: DJ Uiagalelei & other injury updates vs. Louisville

The 2021 Clemson football team has had about the worst luck you could’ve ever imagined on the injury front this season.

The Tigers are already without 14 scholarship players due to season-ending injuries or transfers and the ‘short-term’ injury bug hasn’t been kind to them either. There have been numerous players– most of the time starters– out every single week seemingly and that has led to a situation where Clemson simply can’t build any lasting chemistry.

This week against Louisville is no different.

Already dinged up coming into the week, the Tigers saw four players– all major contributors– go down with injuries in the first half against the Cardinals.

Starting CB Andrew Booth Jr. went out with an apparent shoulder injury. RBs Kobe Pace and Will Shipley both suffered helmet-to-helmet contact that took them out of action. And starting QB DJ Uiagalelei suffered a non-contact knee injury.

Injury updates for Clemson football against Louisville

If you watched the end of the first half, you already know that DJ Uiagalelei emerged out of the injury tent with a heavy knee brace. He came back in the game and led the offense on a quick two-minute drive that resulted in a touchdown and tied the game at 17 apiece.

Dabo Swinney told ACC Network sideline reporter Kelsey Riggs at halftime that he suffered a “sprained MCL.” Uiagalelei is obviously expected to play in the second half, but we’ll be watching that knee closely as he continues.

In other updates, Will Shipley is back with his helmet and looks like he’ll be available if needed in the second half. Kobe Pace, who went straight to the locker room after his injury, isn’t expected to return.

We’ll continue to monitor injuries and much more, just make sure you stay tuned here at Rubbing the Rock.