According to Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, the Tigers could be without a key contributor for the 2017 season.
Swinney announced on Tuesday that junior tight end Garrett Williams had surgery last week to repair a torn ACL. No timetable for Williams' return has been announced, but torn ACLs usually take between six and 12 months for recovery.
Williams, a former four-star recruit of the 2015 class, will have the option to redshirt if he is indeed unavailable to play this year.
Though he only caught two passes last year, Williams was used in all 15 games by Clemson during their run to the national title. He had mostly been used as a blocker, and he figured to get more opportunities this upcoming season with the departure of star Jordan Leggette. Milan Richard and Cannon Smith are likely the leading candidates to take over the starting role with Williams likely out for an extended period of time.
