After last week's drubbing at LSU, the Clemson Tigers have both good and bad updates in the injury department. While it should be getting back right tackle Collin Sadler this week after he missed the season opener versus the Bayou Bengals, defensive tackle Markus Strong's first year with the Tigers has ended after only one game. There is also a chance that Vic Burley could be returning here soon.
While football is a game of injuries, the bulk of Clemson's concerns lie on both sides of the trenches. As the offensive line gets healthier by the day, the defensive line is a different story. Strong being out for the season puts even more pressure on Amare Adams, Andy Burburija, and Champ Thompson along the Clemson defensive line before Dabo Swinney will allow Burley to return to the program.
With hours to go before kickoff, here is Clemson's injury report ahead of the Georgia Southern game.
RT Collin Sadler: Probable
After being listed as questionable coming in, Sadler did not play for the Tigers in their Week 1 road date at LSU. Because it was a non-conference game, Clemson did not have to disclose the type of injury Sadler was saddled with. It was revealed earlier this week that it was some kind of "fluke" injury in the weight room, or that is how Swinney would describe it. He should be good to go in Week 2 now.
In the event that Sadler cannot suit up or play his full allotment of snaps, we may see Easton Ware man right tackle for him again. Although it was a bad night across the board for the Clemson offensive line, there was no discernible difference between the best and worst offensive lineman among that unit. At the very least, Sadler was allowed to get healthier, while Ware gained experience.
Look for the fifth-year senior to make his season debut for the Tigers after having missed Week 1.
DT Markus Strong: Out for season
Strong was one of Swinney's biggest transfer portal pickups of the offseason. The senior came over to Clemson by way of Oklahoma. The thought was that he would be able to help re-establish consistency along the defensive line. Instead, he had to be removed from the game with a lower-leg injury midway through the third quarter. He could not put any weight on his foot and had to be helped off the field.
With Strong being ruled out for the season with his injury, it will be up to Adams, Burburija, Thompson, and the rest of the Clemson defensive line rotation to hold serve until Burley's indefinite suspension comes to an end. While this is Clemson's weakest unit across the board, gaining valuable experience could be a boost to the entire defensive line rotation. Thankfully, it won't be facing Miami for a month.
Simply put, Strong's season-ending injury necessitates the return of Burley head of the UNC game.
DT Vic Burley: Suspended indefinitely
As not much of a surprise, Burley will be out for the second game of the season. The mercurial defensive tackle was arrested late in the summer for disorderly conduct. Swinney suspended him indefinitely for his actions. The good news is Burley has taken complete ownership of his arrest and should be making his way back to the team here soon. Swinney has hinted that it might be next week.
Because Clemson should be able to handle its business versus Georgia Southern on Saturday night without him, this will allow Burley to get adjusted to playing next week after having been away from the program for a few weeks. With this being a team-mandated suspension, all it will take is for Swinney to say Burley is in the clear and he shall return. It is all lining up for him to debut next week.
In the event that Burley is not back with the team next week, then we might have some real concerns.
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