Clemson star Xavier Thomas provides injury update following surgery

Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas had successful surgery on his injured foot, he announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Thomas sustained the injury in Clemson’s scrimmage over the weekend. He’s expected to be out 4-6 weeks.

Here’s his post-surgery announcement:

“This is about to be one hell of a story,” Thomas wrote.

Thomas decided to return to Clemson for his 5th season despite recording a career-high 4.5 sacks in 2021. He turned down NFL opportunities in order to return to school and help the Tigers get back to the College Football Playoff.

Clemson’s defensive line still has several notable stars who are expected to be healthy for Week 1. Defensive ends Myles Murphy and KJ Henry are back this season, as are interior linemen B

ryan Bresee and Tyler Davis.

Clemson should have enough defensive line talent to get through its first 3 games unscathed. The Tigers face Wake Forest on Sept. 24, which could be a ranked matchup. However, the Demon Deacons are also dealing with injury issues as quarterback Sam Hartman is out indefinitely.

The Tigers host NC State on Oct. 1 in a game that could determine the ACC Atlantic champion. Thomas’ injury timeline should give him a chance to be back in the lineup for that game.