Clemson QB Kelly Bryant knocked out vs Syracuse

Clemson’s already injured signal-caller had to leave the game after a scary hit, raising questions as to whether he should even have been playing.

The second-ranked Clemson Tigers are having a tougher time than expected with the Syracuse Orange in a Friday night clash, but that’s not what most Clemson fans are likely to be concerned about at the moment.

Instead, their thoughts will be with starting quarterback Kelly Bryant. His status already somewhat questionable going into this game on a short week, Bryant absorbed a frightening hit after being flushed from the pocket in the second corner.

Bryant appeared to be knocked unconscious after being slammed into the ground, necessitating immediate attention from the training staff.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told ESPN that Bryant suffered a concussion on the play and would not return to the game. Redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper replaced him, but will have to lead the Tigers back from a 24-17 deficit about halfway through the third quarter.

Swinney will undoubtedly be second-guessed for playing Bryant, who was also injured in Clemson’s previous game against Wake Forest, missing significant time in the second half. While that was an ankle injury, and thus unrelated to his current status, it’s still going to be the subject of some discussion.

Bryant also took a nasty shot against Auburn earlier this season, though on an even more questionable hit by the defender. While all football fans should be hoping he’s okay after his latest scare, it would also be great to see him sit out if necessary going forward and take time to recover.