Trouble in the Trenches? Offensive linemen are becoming a scarce commodity for Clemson

Before the season began, the offensive line was one of the more questionable positions on the team. But through nine games, the big guys have pleasantly surprised many. Unfortunately, the grind hasn't treated them nicely.

During head coach Dabo Swinney's weekly press conference, he provided updates for a few injured offensive linemen. Swinney told the media that redshirt junior Tristan Leigh and senior Marcus Tate are "truly day-to-day." Leigh played only a few snaps against Virginia Tech before suffering a lower-body injury and missing the remainder of the game. On the other hand, Tate has been battling an injury since the Louisville game.

Swinney continued, "We thought Tate was going to play until breakfast last week. And then Tristan, you know, structurally, everything is good. Just day-to-day, working his way back."

Unfortunately, that's not where the bad news ends. Redshirt Collin Sadler — who started for the Tigers at the beginning of the season — will undergo season-ending surgery on his calf. "Yes, he's out. He's got to have surgery. We thought he might be able to get back, but it wasn't getting better, so he had to have the surgery," said Swinney.

He talked more about Sadler's and the OL's situation, stating, I feel terrible because he busted his butt and tried to play. He was a starter for us. We already lost Ian Reed out of the gate. And we're trying to hold Mason Wade. Next thing you know, Sadler is done, Tate is out, and Tristan is out. So you have Blake and Elyjah Thurmon. It was impressive to see what Elyjah did. He has stayed ready all year. Great job by Matt Luke, too, in getting him ready. I'm proud of Elyjah."

Clemson might have an OL held together after all is said and done, and they don't receive another break until then. The Tigers take on Pitt this weekend and South Carolina two weeks after.