Clemson Tigers’ star tailback Will Shipley, the team’s leading rusher, has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the No. 15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a source told ESPN.
Shipley entered concussion protocol after taking a brutal hit in the Tigers loss to NC State last week and did not show enough signs of improvement to return Saturday. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had called him “day-to-day” this week.
Embed from Getty ImagesShipley averages 4.6 yards per carry and is considered the Tigers top offensive player. He has rushed for 515 yards and accounted for five touchdowns this season.
The loss of Shipley is a significant setback for the Clemson offense, which ranks No. 63 nationally in scoring offense (28.8). The Fighting Irish enters the game with the country’s No. 9 scoring defense (15.3).
Shipley is a junior who has run for 2,436 career yards, including 1,182 last season. He has gone through a slight drop off in numbers, averaging 1 yard less per carry this season, 4.6 compared with 5.6 in 2022.
He is also a crucial component of Clemson’s aerial attack, with 20 receptions this season for 120 yards.
Clemson has posted a .500 record (4-4), after back-to-back losses to Miami and NC State.
Phil Mafah will have to carry the load in Shipley’s place.
