Swinney updates status of injured defensive linemen

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Tuesday updated the status of a pair of injured defensive linemen, which included some good news for a unit that has yet to play whole this season. Defensive end Xavier Thomas has yet to play this season after …

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Tuesday updated the status of a pair of injured defensive linemen, which included some good news for a unit that has yet to play whole this season.

Defensive end Xavier Thomas has yet to play this season after sustaining a foot injury during preseason camp, and Swinney said he’s still unsure if the senior will be available for Saturday’s top-10 matchup with N.C. State at Memorial Stadium.

“He’s close,” Swinney said.

But Swinney said Tre Williams is expected to be back for this week’s game. Williams, who’s been dealing with inflammation in his knee, hasn’t played in the last two games. Swinney said the backup defensive tackle has been held out as a precaution in an effort to keep the injury from getting worse.