Clemson football’s James Skalski out of NC State game; Bryan Bresee banged up

Clemson sixth-year senior linebacker James Skalski has been ruled out of the Tigers’ ACC contest against NC State on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Skalski was seen sitting on the sidelines with a towel over his head early in the second quarter, while LaVonta Bentley replaced him at Mike linebacker. Bentley also served as Baylor Spector’s replacement last week against Georgia Tech when Spector was out with a knee flareup. The game was tied 7-7 and the score remained at halftime. Skalski then came out of the break without pads.

Skalski is Clemson’s leading tackler head into the game with 27 and had four against the Wolfpack. Against Georgia Tech a week ago, he made the tackle on the goal-line stand to avoid the narrow loss.

With 9:09 left in the third quarter, the Tigers were dealt another blow when defensive lineman Bryan Bresee was helped off the field with what looked like a lower left leg injury. He was taken to the medical tent and later came out with what appeared to be an ice pack around his knee.