No. 1 Clemson’s All-American defensive end Shaq Lawson was stuck on the Tigers’ sideline early in the first half of their Orange Bowl matchup against No. 4 Oklahoma due to a leg injury.
Clemson ‘optimistic’ its best defender, Shaq Lawson, will play vs. Alabama
Consensus All-American defensive end Shaq Lawson was sidelined by a leg injury early in the Orange Bowl.
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Shaq Lawson has no helmet on, ice on his knee and is walking gingerly. Not out there.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) December 31, 2015 Right after the game, Lawson was confident he would return for the title game against Alabama.
I feel great. Just hurt my knee a little bit. Nothing too serious. I’ll be ready for the championship.
As of two days before kickoff, here’s the latest update on his condition:
Shaq Lawson just said 60% chance he could play right now. But he still has a couple of more days to improve. Wearing brace in practice
— Rece Davis (@ESPN_ReceDavis) January 9, 2016 Clemson's Dabo Swinney tells reporters after practice injured DE Shaq Lawson continues getting better and the coach remains optimistic
— Eric Boynton (@ericjboynton) January 8, 2016 Lawson led the team with 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in an undefeated 2015.
He was also a familiar voice for Sooners players; Lawson was one of the most outspoken Clemson players in the lead up to their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.
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