Clemson star WR Justyn Ross out against Wake Forest with foot injury

Clemson Tigers star wide receiver Justyn Ross missed the 2020 season with what was believed at the time to be a career-threatening spinal issue. He has since completed a remarkable comeback and, per ESPN stats, is the leading receiver for the 7-3 Tigers this fall. 

However, Alexis Cubit of The State notes that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed Tuesday that Ross won't be available for Saturday's home finale against the 9-1 Wake Forest Demon Deacons because of an injury to the fifth metatarsal in his left foot he's been playing with throughout the campaign. 

Swinney said Ross will likely undergo a procedure Thursday to have a screw placed in the foot. Ross' status for the Nov. 27 matchup at the South Carolina Gamecocks is unknown as of Tuesday. 

Ross leads Clemson with 46 catches, 514 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on the season. 

"Nineteen months of not playing football then he played 10 games, man, he’s flying around the field," Swinney said of Ross and a return many likely weren't even considering at this time last year. "He’s leaping, jumping, flipping, blocking. What his commitment to his team, his commitment to this university, this program, it’s been amazing to watch. If that’s his last play, then I’m thankful that he was able to come back and play and play 10 games, show everybody what he can do and get his confidence to where it needs to be." 

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Ross could emerge as a first-round talent for the 2022 NFL Draft class. 

"Ross was a bit rusty to start 2021, and that is understandable after missing the 2020 season," Charlie Campbell of Walter Football wrote back on Nov. 6. "He started to look better but Clemson's passing game funk has hurt Ross' opportunities. Ross has a good skill set, and some team sources say he is Tee Higgins 2.0."