Dabo Swinney provides last injury report on starter ahead of LSU clash

Spenser Davis

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney offered an update on starting guard Walker Parks on Saturday morning, just hours before the Tigers face LSU in a primetime top-25 showdown.

Parks has dealt with nagging issues throughout fall camp and was viewed as questionable entering the contest. Swinney stated Saturday that Parks is healthy enough to suit up versus LSU, though it’s uncertain how many snaps he can handle. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first relayed that information.

Parks’ availability could significantly influence the matchup. The veteran lineman logged more than 700 snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus, showing his importance to the offense.

The Tigers’ offensive front is a major factor in their lofty preseason ranking. Clemson brings back four linemen who surpassed the 700-snap mark a year ago — a unit anchored by tackles Blake Miller and Tristan Leigh.

If Parks is sidelined or limited, Trent Howard might step in at right guard. Howard appeared in eight games last year and recorded 171 snaps, per PFF.

Oddsmakers have Clemson listed as a 4-point favorite against LSU, with sportsbooks such as BetMGM setting the line.