Wayne Gallman Injury: Updates on Clemson RB's Concussion and Return

Tim DanielsOct 15, 2016

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman was forced to leave the Tigers' game against North Carolina State on Oct. 15 after suffering a concussion. His official playing status for Week 9 against Florida State has yet to be announced, though he is expected to play.

Continue for updates.

Latest on Gallman's Practice Status

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney told reporters that Gallman took every rep during Monday's practice.

Latest on Gallman's Playing Status

Monday, Oct. 24

"I'm fine. I'm ready to go," Gallman told reporters Monday when asked about his availability against Florida State.

On Oct. 19, Swinney announced that he expects Gallman to play against Florida State on Oct. 29, according to ESPN.com's Andrea Adelson.

"He's just a great football player," Swinney said, per Adelson. "He's our leader at that position, and we really like our other players, but we don't have a lot of experience there. Here's a guy who's played in a lot of big games and has been our workhorse, so it (was) definitely a loss for us."

Gallman Comments on Hit that Caused Injury

Monday, Oct. 24

"I just remember catching the ball, making the move, going north, and after that, I don't remember anything at all until I got back to the training room," Gallman said, according to David M. Hale of ESPN.com. "It was like I went to sleep and woke up in the training room. I saw a video of myself walking, and I don't even remember that."

"You saw him lead with his head," Gallman continued. "I wanted somebody to hurt him that was in the game if they could. I wasn't able to be in."

Gallman Needs to Stay Healthy for Championship Push

Gallman had rushed two times for 14 yards and also caught one pass for 18 yards before exiting the Week 7 game. He entered the matchup with the Wolfpack as the team's most productive back, with 475 yards and five rushing touchdowns on the season.

The junior produced more than 1,700 yards of total offense and 14 touchdowns last season. In September, he attributed his consistent success to his work away from the game-day spotlight, per Brad Senkiw of the Independent Mail:

"
You've got to practice what you preach. I don't want to be a guy that says, "I want to do this and that" and I don't show it. Every opportunity out on that practice field is an opportunity to get better, and every opportunity on that practice field is an opportunity to take it on the game field and show what I've got.
"

Any type of extended absence would be a massive blow to the Tigers offense. His presence in the backfield has taken a lot of pressure off superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Adam Choice figures to get the first opportunity to fill the void, but Clemson is likely to utilize a heavy rotation in the backfield for the time being. C.J. Fuller, Tyshon Dye and Tavien Feaster should all get some touches as well.