Clemson's open date came at an important time for a team looking to get healthy, establish consistency, and find some momentum heading into the second half of the season.
The break may have been especially valuable for two offensive players.
Running back Jay Haynes and quarterback Christopher Vizzina have made encouraging progress, and head coach Dabo Swinney hopes the Tigers can have them available Saturday when Charleston Southern visits Memorial Stadium.
Haynes' potential return carries particular significance following Clemson's loss of David Eziomume, who was injured on a kickoff return during the Tigers' victory at California. With Jarvis Green also dealing with an injury, Clemson's running back depth has become a growing concern.
For Haynes, however, simply returning to the field would mark a significant milestone in a career interrupted by injuries.
"Man, Jay Haynes is the forgotten man, and I am hoping like anything that he is the remembered man this weekend," Swinney said Monday night on his Tiger Hour radio program.
Haynes emerged as Clemson's second running back behind Phil Mafah during the 2024 season, showing promise before suffering a significant injury on a kickoff return in the ACC Championship Game.
The Tigers hoped to get him back during the 2025 season, but setbacks prevented that from happening. His recovery continued into the spring, and although he flashed his potential during preseason camp, another setback delayed his return.
Swinney said Tuesday that Haynes impressed Clemson's coaching staff during his limited opportunities in camp, including offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who had not previously coached him.
"He's a downhill runner. He's a lot like Jarvis in that he's just very natural and instinctive. He's just bigger," Swinney said.
The open date gave Haynes something he had been missing: an opportunity to participate in live football situations.
"He got some live work last week. He really needed that," Swinney said. "I think that was good for him to get out there and have to, you know, have some dirty yards and get hit and tackled and just play football, and so I think he's in a good place."
Swinney cautioned that the Tigers still needed to get through Tuesday and Wednesday's practices before determining whether Haynes would be ready for Saturday.
But the opportunity is there.
"Let's get through today and tomorrow because he hasn't had a lot of good breaks go his way, but losing Eziomume and Jarvis being banged up, this is a great opportunity for him to hopefully be able to play, gain a little confidence, and just kind of get going," Swinney said.
While Haynes could provide reinforcements at running back, Vizzina's recovery offers Clemson an opportunity to strengthen its quarterback room.
Vizzina entered the season as the Tigers' starting quarterback but suffered an elbow injury that affected his ability to throw and practice consistently. His absence created an opportunity for Tait Reynolds, who eventually took over as starter.
Swinney said Monday that Vizzina was making encouraging progress, and he expanded on that assessment during Tuesday's press conference.
The quarterback has moved away from the large brace he previously wore and is now using a tight sleeve and protective padding.
"He was much better last night. Still not a hundred percent. So hopefully, by the end of the week it'd be great to be able to get him back out there," Swinney said.
The challenge has been Vizzina's ability to elevate his throwing arm and generate the torque necessary to deliver the football. Swinney explained that while Vizzina could participate in other activities, throwing had remained painful enough to limit his practice availability.
Even with Reynolds established as Clemson's starter, Swinney believes getting Vizzina healthy remains important.
"This is a guy who came out of camp as the starter who we really believe in. At some point we're probably going to need him," Swinney said.
Reynolds has continued to develop through his first season as Clemson's starting quarterback, and Swinney praised the young signal-caller Tuesday for taking advantage of the opportunity.
Having Vizzina back would provide valuable depth as the Tigers prepare for the rest of their schedule.
The potential returns come as Clemson looks to build on the offensive progress it has shown in stretches this season.
Swinney noted Tuesday that Clemson's running backs average 5.2 yards per carry, even though the team's overall rushing average is lower. He also acknowledged that the Tigers have struggled to sustain offensive success for four quarters.
For Clemson, Saturday's matchup offers a chance to improve execution, develop younger players, and potentially welcome back two offensive contributors who have spent too much time on the sidelines.
Haynes could help address an immediate need in the backfield. Vizzina could restore depth and experience to the quarterback room.
Neither return is guaranteed.
But after an open date focused on getting healthy and evaluating personnel, Clemson may finally have some welcome news on offense.
