Injured Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson has missed the last two games due to a broken bone in his right throwing hand. Head coach Dabo Swinney announced Tuesday that his true freshman quarterback is recovering nicely, but remains unsure about his status for Thursday night’s game against Wake Forest.
According to Swinney, Watson has utilized the bye week with great efficiency showing great velocity and accuracy in his passes. He also informed the media that, should the team need him, Watson will be suited up and prepared to serve at Swinney’s disposal.
“Deshaun will be ready to play this week,” Swinney said. “Not sure we’ll play him. But he’s ready to go and come Monday, he’ll be cut loose. He’s just done tremendous.”
The Demon Deacons have been downright awful through much of the season and don’t pose the same threat as does the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – who Clemson plays the following weekend. This would provide Watson with another week of rest and preparation leading up to the pivotal game. If for some reason Clemson struggles don’t be surprised to see Watson take several snaps.
Watson’s replacement, Cole Stoudt, hasn’t been nearly as good as, but simply good enough to get the Tigers past two weak opponents in Boston College and Syracuse to extend the team’s five-game win streak. In both games, the offense wasn’t as productive, but late game drives from Stoudt guided the Tigers to victories.
“I’m very encouraged by how Cole’s played and how he’s improved,” Swinney said.
If the 21 ranked Tigers run the table, they could be in contention for a top bowl appearance, but still remain on the outside looking in on the College Football Playoff. Clemson must get by the Demon Deacons, Yellow Jackets, Georgia State, and rival South Carolina before a potentially huge matchup with the No. 2 Florida State Seminoles.
*Section Photo credit to Gwinn Davis, Post and Courier; Featured Photo (above) credit to Joshua S. Kelly, USA Today Sports