Veteran Clemson safety Khalil Barnes has been dealing with what head coach Dabo Swinney described as a “minor injury” that has kept him out for more than a week, including the first scrimmage last weekend.

After the Tigers held their second and final scrimmage of camp on Thursday, Swinney provided the latest update on his junior safety.

“Khalil is close,” the head coach said. “He is getting closer. He did some end-of-the-game stuff. No live scrimmage today.

Barnes burst onto the scene during his debut season in 2023, earning a starting role and freshman All-American honors after registering 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, six pass breakups, a team-high three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one sack. He also added a fumble recovery that he returned 42 yards for a touchdown. He was the first Clemson player in the Swinney era to record multiple forced fumbles and multiple interceptions in a freshman season.

Last season, Barnes finished with 60 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and a team-high four interceptions. It was the first time since 2019 that a Tiger registered four picks in a single season.

Photo courtesy of Dawson Powers