PHOENIX, Ariz. — Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson said on Saturday there is a very good chance he will be playing in Monday’s National Championship Game against No. 2 Alabama.

Lawson injured his left knee on the first series in last week’s Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma. The All-American played one more series and got a sack on quarterback Baker Mayfield before being taken out of the game by the training staff.

Lawson would not put a percentage on whether or not he was going to play, but he is hopeful that it is pretty high. Right now, Clemson still list the ACC Defensive Player of the Year as questionable.

“I’m just taking it a day at a time and just getting my knee ready,” Lawson said during Saturday’s Media Day event at the Phoenix Convention Center. “I’m just trying to get it stronger before I go out there and play.”

Lawson says his knee is hurting, but it does not feel weak. He says he cannot tell if it hurts until he starts moving on the field.

“I feel like my burst off the line is average right now,” he said. “I feel like I’m getting better at it, and each day I’m moving. I continue to work on that and get it back to where it was at.”

As for Lawson’s pain level, he says he is at an eight. On Tuesday, when asked the same question, he said his pain level was about a seven.

“I’m preparing myself to play,” he said. “I have been preparing myself by being on the field every day. I have been in the film room. When I’m not out there with those guys, I’m still preparing like I’m playing. I’m in there studying the opponent.”

Lawson says he is not concerned about his NFL career right now. His only concern is helping the Tigers beat Alabama. To do that, they will need No. 90 on the field. Lawson leads the country in tackles for loss with 23.5. He also has 10.5 sacks.

“If I do get back on that field, I want to win it for my team,” he said.

His teammates want him on the field, too. Alabama brings in a strong running game led by Heisman Trophy running back Derrick Henry, who is one of the hardest individuals to tackle. Stopping Henry can go a long way in the Tigers winning the game and having Lawson on the field can go a long way in slowing Henry down.

“It will be tremendous if he can play. He is definitely a big part of our defense,” defensive tackle Carlos Watkins said. “He actually helps me on the inside so if he plays, he is definitely going to be a huge impact.”

If Lawson can’t go then defensive coordinator Brent Venables will have to go with true freshman Austin Bryant, who had had four tackles and a tackle for loss while filling in for Lawson in the Orange Bowl.

“I feel like Austin Bryant can fill in and do a great job,” Watkins said.

“Coach Hobby has done a great job preparing for this game,” Watkins continued. “He actually has been doing a great job all season in getting him ready for any situation. I hate that it comes down this late in the season, especially with Shaq’s injury. But I’m very comfortable with Austin to be honest. I feel like he can get it done.”

Lawson wore a green jersey in Friday’s practice and participated against the scout team in non-contact drills. He said he has been getting two treatments a day for an hour each time.