Clemson backup quarterback Chad Kelly was injured in Saturday's spring game, according to the school.
“It looks like a torn ACL," coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. "We will see the MRI results to make sure. It was tough. We had a purple jersey on him, but he got hurt making a cut and the leg gave way. I am very disappointed and I know Chad is. Travis Blanks [who was involved in the play] did nothing wrong.
“Chad was so fired up to play in this game and compete," Swinney said. "He had a great start [6-of-7 passing, plus 14 yards rushing and a touchdown pass to Charone Peake] on the first drive. He is going to work hard and come back. It is in his DNA. I heard Jim Kelly [Chad’s uncle] speak recently and he was told his arm was through because of injury. But he came back and ended in the Hall of Fame.
“He will overcome it and come back. He could help us late this coming season. Look what Adrian Peterson did for the Minnesota Vikings this year after suffering a torn ACL."
Starting quarterback Tajh Boyd was held out of the spring game and the previous two scrimmages because the coaching staff wanted to see what Kelly and Cole Stoudt could do. Stoudt threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns, but his White team lost to the Orange team 34-26.
“Cole Stoudt was outstanding the entire game," Swinney said. "He was competitive and showed enthusiasm. He hit some big throws and that was good to see. I also thought the other quarterbacks played well. Nick Schuessler and Donny McElveen did not get a lot of reps in the spring, but they were prepared and showed it today."