---
title: "Clemson Shuffles Offensive Line, Backfield Before Syracuse Trip"
url: https://www.hereclemson.com/2026/11/04/clemson-injuries-offensive-line-syracuse-trip/
date: 2026-11-04T06:35:11-05:00
modified: 2026-11-04T06:35:11-05:00
author: "Allen M. Hopkins"
categories: ["Sports"]
site: "HERE Clemson"
attribution: "HERE Clemson"
---

# Clemson Shuffles Offensive Line, Backfield Before Syracuse Trip

> CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson heads north this week with a patched-up lineup. Coach Dabo Swinney said two starting offensive linemen and the team's leading rusher are not expected to be on the field Saturday when the Tigers play at Syracuse. Left guard Elyjah Thurmon is in the concussion protocol after a blow to the head

*Source: [HERE Clemson](https://www.hereclemson.com/2026/11/04/clemson-injuries-offensive-line-syracuse-trip/) — November 4, 2026 by Allen M. Hopkins*

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson heads north this week with a patched-up lineup. Coach Dabo Swinney said two starting offensive linemen and the team’s leading rusher are not expected to be on the field Saturday when the Tigers play at Syracuse.

Left guard Elyjah Thurmon is in the concussion protocol after a blow to the head in the 36-24 win at Florida State on Oct. 31. He spent a night in a Tallahassee hospital before returning to campus, where he has rejoined team meetings. Sophomore Gavin Blanchard is listed to start in his place.

Center Harris Sewell will also sit out. Freshman Grant Wise, who took 15 snaps at center against the Seminoles, moves into that job.

In the backfield, running back Gideon Davidson is considered week to week and unlikely to play. His 528 rushing yards rank 10th in the ACC. Jarvis Green, with 125 yards on 32 carries as a reserve, tops the depth chart, followed by Chris Johnson Jr. and Jay Haynes.

Linebacker Kobe McCloud is expected to miss a couple of weeks.

Clemson, 5-3 and 3-2 in the ACC, faces 4-4 Syracuse at noon at JMA Wireless Dome. The Tigers have won five straight ACC road games and own an 11-2 record away from home in regular-season play dating to November 2023. Swinney, at 192-56, is tied with Bobby Bowden at 117 ACC regular-season victories and can pass him with a win.