Clemson vs UNC injury report: Christopher Vizzina can provide Tait Reynolds insurance

With Clemson set to take on North Carolina in the Tigers' ACC opener, all eyes are on the quarterback position. Although Tait Reynolds is going to get the start under center for Clemson, it does not appear that Christopher Vizzina will be ruled out for this game. On Thursday's injury report, he was listed as probable after exiting Week 2's home win over Georgia Southern with a left elbow injury.

This could indicate that if Reynolds does not look the part compared to ACC competition that Vizzina will likely be available to spell him for a bit if need be. Of course, Dabo Swinney is not going to want to pull the rug out from under Reynolds just yet. He is trusting his gut to go with the true freshman. Although Vizzina's Clemson career hangs in the balance, he could be able to provide some lift here.

Here is Thursday's injury report for who will be available, and who may not be, for Clemson vs. UNC.

Now let's dive a little deeper into Vizzina's game status and a few key players to worry about for UNC.

Clemson Tigers QB Christopher Vizzina: Probable

Vizzina being listed as probable signifies that his demotion was more about performance than the injury itself. Swinney said as much during his previous meetings with the media this week. Once it was revealed that Vizzina injured his elbow on his non-throwing hand, this only further backed up that notion. Had it been his throwing arm, then we might see him listed as questionable or even doubtful.

Right now, Vizzina is the biggest name of note on the injury report for Clemson, who has not been ruled out yet. Swinney listed 11 Clemson players as out for this week, including players with season-ending injuries such as freshman safety Polo Anderson and Oklahoma transfer defensive tackle Markus Strong. While UNC only has eight players ruled out, both teams are equally beat up.

Look for Vizzina to suit up for this game, but hopefully, not play versus the Tar Heels during Week 3.

North Carolina Tar Heels DL Melkart Abou Jaoude: Questionable

This is the big one to monitor for the Tar Heels. Defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude is listed as questionable coming in. Under the resurgent North Carolina defense, Abou Jaoude has been a driving force for the Tar Heels in the trenches and especially in the pass rush. It may only be Year 2 of him playing for Bill Belichick, but he might be the best player North Carolina has had in its front seven.

If he is unable to go, then that will surely make life easier for Clemson's disappointing offensive line. Conversely, if he does play, Abou Jaoude could play a part in thwarting Chad Morris' offensive game plan for the Tigers. It is critical that Clemson gets the ball rolling on offense this week. While North Carolina may still try to win with defense anyway, any hit to that side of the ball may serve Clemson.

With it being the first game of conference play for both teams, it would be shocking if he does not go.

North Carolina Tar Heels WRs CJ Sadler and Keeyun Chapman: Out

Two key members of the North Carolina passing attack have been ruled out for this game. CJ Sadler and Keeyun Chapman were arrested on Tuesday night in Chapel Hill. Sadler was cited for speeding, as he was going around 60 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone. This is apparently the third time he has been caught speeding since August. It is not a great situation for him, but Chapman's is worse.

Chapman has been suspended indefinitely by the program for "carrying a concealed weapon, a misdemeanor, and possessing marijuana." He was a passenger in the car driven by Sadler on Tuesday night. With both receivers being out, this could make the game slightly more challenging for Bobby Petrino to draw up plays for quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to execute within the context of his offense.

With Clemson's defense improving, this could play a part in the Tigers being able to hold off UNC.

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