First, the on-record comment from Dave Clawson when I asked if he could tell us anything about specific players:
"Next question. ... I'm not going to share anything that's going to help them. So, anybody who can go, will go. How's that?"
And now what I've gathered from sources:
- Was told: "everyone that can possibly play, will play." ... Which, yes, that's basically the same that Clawson said. But it's from a trusted source instead of being public info, so I put stock in that.
Also was told that the team is as healthy as it's been since maybe the first month of the season.
- Nasir Greer is a firm maybe. They thought he'd be able to play last week but he didn't progress enough; he made the trip, evidenced by this TV shot of him mistaking him for A.T. Perry. He hasn't played since the N.C. State game.
- Even though Christian Beal-Smith looked like he reaggravated his ankle sprain at the end of the first half at BC, he's healthier. I'm not *quite* sure if that means he'll be back on special teams units -- maybe they'll just use him as a gunner on punt coverage -- but I'd just about expect him to start at RB.
- Perhaps the only real surprise here: Justice Ellison is going to be able to play, it sounds like. He missed the last two games with a knee injury. But he's been practicing. And apparently looking good. That plus the above note might mean fewer snaps for Quinton Cooley; we've never seen the RB rotation go four-deep.
- Maybe the only "bad" news here: I can rule out a miracle return for Chelen Garnes. He's still not quite ready after the leg injury against Army. They're still hopeful he'll be back for the bowl game.
"Next question. ... I'm not going to share anything that's going to help them. So, anybody who can go, will go. How's that?"
And now what I've gathered from sources:
- Was told: "everyone that can possibly play, will play." ... Which, yes, that's basically the same that Clawson said. But it's from a trusted source instead of being public info, so I put stock in that.
Also was told that the team is as healthy as it's been since maybe the first month of the season.
- Nasir Greer is a firm maybe. They thought he'd be able to play last week but he didn't progress enough; he made the trip, evidenced by this TV shot of him mistaking him for A.T. Perry. He hasn't played since the N.C. State game.
- Even though Christian Beal-Smith looked like he reaggravated his ankle sprain at the end of the first half at BC, he's healthier. I'm not *quite* sure if that means he'll be back on special teams units -- maybe they'll just use him as a gunner on punt coverage -- but I'd just about expect him to start at RB.
- Perhaps the only real surprise here: Justice Ellison is going to be able to play, it sounds like. He missed the last two games with a knee injury. But he's been practicing. And apparently looking good. That plus the above note might mean fewer snaps for Quinton Cooley; we've never seen the RB rotation go four-deep.
- Maybe the only "bad" news here: I can rule out a miracle return for Chelen Garnes. He's still not quite ready after the leg injury against Army. They're still hopeful he'll be back for the bowl game.
