Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19. How long he’s out is unclear
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be out this week against Boston College after testing positive for COVID-19, the school confirmed Thursday evening.
No. 1 Clemson is set to host Boston College on Saturday and will travel to No. 4 Notre Dame next weekend in one of the most anticipated games of the college football season.
“Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement Thursday night. “He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week’s game against Boston College. While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday. Go Tigers.”
Lawrence entered this week as a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. He has completed 71% of his passes this season for the undefeated and top-ranked Tigers (6-0). The Georgia native has thrown for 1,833 yards, with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions.
He’s widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In the statement confirming Lawrence’s positive test, Swinney did not indicate when exactly Lawrence tested positive or how long he has been in isolation. However, Clemson players are tested Sunday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Lawrence was at Clemson’s weekly news conference on Tuesday, indicating he did not test positive Sunday.
Multiple national outlets reported that Lawrence’s positive came from Wednesday’s tests.
Lawrence released a statement Thursday night that described his symptoms as “relatively mild.”
“I have tested positive for COVID-19, and my symptoms have been relatively mild while I’m following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC. The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love,” Lawrence said. “I hate that I can’t be there, but I’ll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity to rejoin the team. God bless and Go Tigers!”
A source told The State that Lawrence’s test was an isolated positive and that other players are not expected to be affected by contact tracing. However, players will be tested again Friday, and any positive test would lead to a player being out for Saturday’s game.
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, speaking Thursday night on the ACC Network, said she spoke with Lawrence shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday and that he planned to play this weekend.
Rowe, citing a source, said that Lawrence “was the only player who disappeared from team activities.”
“It does appear to be something very recent with him experiencing mild symptoms,” Rowe said.
With the Notre Dame game nine days away, Lawrence would seem to be in jeopardy of missing that game as well. One ESPN report Thursday night sounded optimistic that it’s at least an option that Lawrence could play next week.
“Trevor Lawrence’s COVID test was taken Wednesday and that counts as day one in his 10-day countdown to be eligible to play next Saturday against Notre Dame, per source,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported via Twitter. “It’s possible he had symptoms earlier, which could even push up his eligibility to play if he tests negative.”
ACC rules require players to be isolated for at least 10 days from the start of symptoms/a positive test. They must then undergo a cardiac evaluation, before beginning a phased return and re-acclimatization. There is no set minimum period for the phased return from the ACC. For Clemson student-athletes, it is typically at least two to three days.
With Lawrence out, backup D.J. Uiagalelei is expected to get the start against the Eagles. Uiagalelei is a true freshman who has appeared in five games this season.
The California native and former five-star recruit is 12-for-19 passing for 102 yards. He has also rushed for 32 yards and two touchdowns.
Lawrence on Tuesday was asked how Clemson and the QBs in particular have stayed safe in regards to COVID-19 this season.
“We do a good job here staying our social distance, six feet, in our meeting rooms wearing masks, all those things to where we’re not close contacts, we’re not around each other, so we couldn’t transmit the virus,” Lawrence said. “And we’re getting tested three times a week, so that helps. ... And then just being responsible as much as you can, trying to stay away from big groups outside of your bubble in the facility.”
Clemson BC football betting odds
The betting line for Clemson-Boston College was the Tigers by 31. It’s been taken off the board by some sportsbooks, meaning it can’t be bet, at least for the moment. It is currently Clemson by 24, according to some sites.
ACC COVID rules: Will Trevor Lawrence play against Notre Dame?
At this point it is too early to tell, but it does seem like a long shot.
Under ACC protocols adopted in August, any student-athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 has to isolate for at least 10 days from the “onset of symptoms/positive test” and at least one day since recovering from any symptoms, such as a fever or cough. (As of Thursday, the Clemson-Notre Dame game was nine days away.)
A player can exit isolation after 10 days if they have no symptoms. They must then go through an EKG and echocardiogram.
After the cardiac evaluation, there is a phased return and re-acclimatization process. There is no set minimum period for the phased return from the ACC. For Clemson student-athletes it is typically a minimum of 2-3 days, according to a Clemson official.
Clemson football 2020 schedule, game scores
Sept. 12: Clemson 37, Wake Forest 13
Sept. 19: Clemson 49, The Citadel 0
Oct. 3: Clemson 41, Virginia 23
Oct. 10: Clemson 42, Miami 17
Oct. 17: Clemson 73, Georgia Tech 6
Oct. 24: Clemson 47, Syracuse 21
Oct. 31: vs. Boston College, noon, ABC
Nov. 7: at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., NBC
Nov. 14: Open
Nov. 21: at Florida State
Nov. 28: vs. Pitt
Dec. 5: at Virginia Tech
This story was originally published October 29, 2020 at 8:37 PM.
