Clemson at Cal injury report: Corian Gipson, Devarrick Woods ruled out limits defense

Coming into Friday night's road game at Cal, Clemson is far more banged up than the Tigers wanted to admit. It may be a short week for them, but now is not the time to be falling apart at the seams physically. The good news is that backup quarterback Christopher Vizzina is more likely to play this week than last. The bad news is a pair of unexpected players have already been ruled out for Week 4.

Yes, Clemson will be without cornerback Corian Gipson and defensive tackle Devarrick Woods versus the Golden Bears on Friday night. They were joined by running back Jay Haynes, bringing Clemson's total number of players out to 14. Conversely, Cal only has four players listed as doubtful. With Cal being the healthier team coming in, Clemson will have to scratch and claw its way to a road victory.

There are a few key updates from Wednesday night's injury report, including three more players out.

Clemson Tigers CB Corian Gipson: Out

Gipson being ruled out for Week 4 stinks, but it is not that surprising. He has been a massive part of Clemson's vastly improved secondary thus far. However, he was banged up coming into the North Carolina game last week. He tried to give it a go, but only played one series before giving way to Ronan Hanafin. This was a huge spot for Hanafin last week, and he took advantage of the situation.

With Clemson going up against an emerging star at quarterback in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele for Cal, look for Hanafin and the rest of the defensive backfield to try their best to rise to the occasion. While losing anyone for any extended stretch is less than ideal, Clemson may be better equipped to handle Gipson being out for another week than expected. Look for him to return in time for Week 5.

Gipson's extended absence will allow for Hanafin to see more snaps and provide more depth as well.

Clemson Tigers DT Devarrick Woods: Out

This one is odd. Devarrick Woods being listed as out caught everybody by surprise. The Texas State transfer has made his presence felt right away this year, out of necessity. Along with Amare Adams, Andy Burburija, and Champ Thompson, they have held up the defensive line rotation that has been in a state of flux. Markus Strong is out for the season, and Vic Burley has only just returned to the team.

So with Woods being listed as out, Burley will have to be a more impactful player than he was even a week ago. He only played nine snaps, but did come away with a huge fumble recovery when UNC running back Demon June put the ball on the turf. Even though Cal is not proficient at running the football, Clemson has given up over 200 yards on the ground in both of the Power Four games so far.

It may once again be a MASH unit for the Clemson defensive line heading into a big conference game.

Clemson Tigers QB Christopher Vizzina: Probable

Even though it is the Tait Reynolds show moving forward for the Tigers, having Vizzina back will do wonders for Clemson's quarterback room. While Clemson has expressed confidence in Trent Pearman, he is a fifth-year senior and a former walk-on. Vizzina was listed as probable for the UNC game this time last week, but he has fluid buildup around his left elbow. This is why he did not dress.

Because it is his non-throwing arm, the chances of Vizzina being able to return to action sooner rather than later are promising. However, Clemson is not going to rush him back out there under any circumstances. The offense has looked better with Reynolds running it. This is all about depth in the event Reynolds gets hurt or struggles. In short, Clemson might not be in as desperate a shape now.

While the secondary and defensive line have taken hits, the quarterback room is getting healthier.

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