Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday that senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina should be available for Saturday’s home game against Georgia Tech despite an ankle injury that has limited him all week.
Swinney spoke at his weekly press conference and confirmed Vizzina can play on Senior Day at Memorial Stadium. The coach also noted that practice snaps will stay restricted while the ankle recovers.
“He’s going to be available this week,” Swinney said. “He’s just going to be very limited in practice. Can’t give him a shot at practice.”
Vizzina rolled the ankle during a screen drill the previous Monday when he stepped on an offensive lineman’s foot. He did not practice the rest of that week and appeared only in uniform for the Tigers’ 18-13 win at Syracuse.
Swinney said after that game that Vizzina would not have been able to play. The quarterback felt better Sunday after receiving treatment, but the relief wore off by Monday’s session.
“I’d say (Vizzina) didn’t look good last night,” Swinney said. “He felt good on Sunday, but the shot hadn’t worn off yet. But it wore off yesterday. He couldn’t really do much last night. He’ll be ready for game day, but you can’t give him a shot in practice.”
The setback continues a difficult season for Vizzina. He opened the year as the starter, completed 14 of 23 passes for 102 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in two appearances, then suffered an arm injury against Georgia Southern.
Freshman Tait Reynolds has started every game since and leads the Tigers with 1,446 passing yards on 155 of 240 attempts. Reynolds also has three passing touchdowns, four interceptions and 310 rushing yards with two scores. He is dealing with a banged-up shoulder but is expected to be ready Saturday.
With Vizzina limited, fifth-year backup Trent Pearman will take the second-team repetitions. Pearman has completed eight of 13 passes for 80 yards in two appearances this season and will also be honored on Senior Day.
“Trent will get all the reps with the twos,” Swinney said.
Clemson enters the game 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the ACC after consecutive wins over Florida State and Syracuse. The Tigers host Georgia Tech (2-7, 1-6) at 12:30 p.m. on The CW.
Vizzina’s career totals at Clemson stand at 78 completions for 698 yards and five touchdowns. His availability gives the Tigers their top two quarterbacks for the first time in weeks, even if practice looks different behind Reynolds.
The ankle remains the primary concern for Vizzina this week. Swinney expects him to improve enough by kickoff to contribute if needed, though he will not work at full speed in the remaining sessions.
Pearman’s extra practice time prepares Clemson for any contingency against Georgia Tech. Reynolds’ shoulder issue is not expected to keep him out, providing continuity at the position.
The game marks Senior Day for several Clemson players, including Vizzina and Pearman. Officials have not yet released the ACC availability report, which will clarify statuses for the entire roster.
Clemson has scored 22.7 points per game this season while allowing 20.7. Reynolds has accounted for the bulk of the passing production since taking over the starting role.
Swinney’s update keeps the focus on getting healthy players back for the final stretch. The Tigers still have road games at Duke and a home matchup with South Carolina remaining after Saturday.
