Clemson OL out for the season with injury

Tigers lose starting guard Will Putnam to season-ending knee injury

Clemson Tigers starting offensive guard Will Putnam will miss the rest of the 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during Saturday's game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, the team announced Monday.

Putnam was injured in the second quarter of the game and had to be helped off the field. He was replaced by sophomore Marcus Tate, who started the remaining two games of the season.

The loss of Putnam is a big blow to the Tigers' offensive line, which is already without starting center Ryan Linthicum, who is out for the season with a foot injury. Putnam was one of the most experienced players on the offensive line and was expected to be a key contributor this season.

With Putnam out, the Tigers will likely turn to Tate or redshirt freshman Walker Parks to start at left guard. Tate started the final two games of the 2022 season at left guard and played well, while Parks is a highly touted recruit who is expected to be a future star for the Tigers.

The Tigers will need to find a way to replace Putnam's production on the offensive line, as he was a key part of the team's running game. The Tigers are averaging 186.7 rushing yards per game this season, which is good for 22nd in the country.

The Tigers will be back in action on Saturday when they host the Louisville Cardinals at Death Valley. The game will be televised on ESPN at 3:30 p.m. ET.