Cooper out…but for how long?

Clemson tight end Sam Cooper will miss multiple weeks after breaking his fibula during pregame warmups on Saturday. While the injury will keep him out in the short term, Dabo Swinney told reporters on Sunday that he believes Cooper may be back in three weeks.

It’s not the first time the 6-6, 245-pounder has missed time with an injury. During the Tigers’ 2013 spring game, Cooper suffered a torn ACL that kept him limited throughout last season.

Swinney’s squad faces South Carolina State this Saturday and does not have a game the following weekend. Clemson will then travel to Tallahassee for a Sept. 20 contest against Florida State and hosts North Carolina on Sept. 27. It is unclear whether Cooper will return in time for the games against the Seminoles and Tar Heels. 

The fifth-year senior’s injury leaves the Tigers without their best blocking tight end. Stanton Seckinger, Jordan Leggett and Jay Jay McCullough are all expected to contribute in Cooper’s absence.