Clemson’s Cade Klubnik Shares Injury Update Before South Carolina Game

The Clemson Tigers might not be heading to the College Football Playoff like they wanted, but a bowl game is still in sight. Before that, they’ll complete their regular season with a rivalry week matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Several weeks ago, Clemson’s season seemed to be on a serious slide. Along with a one-point loss to the Duke Blue Devils, they also lost starting quarterback Cade Klubnik for one game due to an ankle injury. He’s since returned, and they’ve since won enough games to become eligible for a bowl game.

That said, his mobility has been an issue since returning, with coach Dabo Swinney indicating that he wasn’t at the level they wanted him to be yet. During a press conference this week, Klubnik provided an update on his injury situation and spoke about a significant teammate’s injuries.

Read more: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Reacts to Bowl Eligibility After Furman Win

“I would say so. I think that was coming up on seven or eight weeks ago, and I think this is the best I’ve been moving since,” Klubnik said when asked about how his mobility is.

His injury occurred in Clemson’s game against Boston College on Oct. 12, forcing him out in the third quarter, with backup quarterback Chris Vizzina replacing him. The Tigers won that game 41-10, but Klubnik sat out their next game, as SMU defeated Clemson 35-24.

Even though the Tigers’ starter returned against Duke, it was a frustrating 46-45 loss, and head coach Dabo Swinney blasted the officiating after the game, drawing a fine.

Read more: Clemson’s Dabo Swinney Hit With Significant Fine for Post-Game Remarks

In addition to discussing his injury situation, Klubnik also spoke about Clemson tight end Olsen Patt-Henry. His season ended due to a patellar tendon injury.

“It’s a big loss, just for what he can do in the passing game and the running game. We’ve got a really good tight end room. We’re gonna miss him and what he brings to that room, but we’ve got guys right next to him that have really been getting the job done all year,” he said.

The Clemson Tigers (6-5) will face a South Carolina Gamecocks team that is just 4-7 this season, led by quarterback LaNorris Sellers. As the host team in the rivalry game, they’ll look to deal a potential blow to Klubnik and his team’s bowl game by upsetting them on Saturday.

Ahead of last year’s College Football Playoff appearance, Clemson fell to then-No. 15 South Carolina, 17-14. During his recent press conference, Klubnick indicated this game has weighed on him since then. With that said, he’s likely looking to redeem himself and add to his Clemson legacy.

Read more: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Gives Brutal Injury Update Before Stanford Game

For more about the Clemson Tigers and college football, visit Newsweek Sports.