Clemson QB Deshaun Watson does not have torn ACL, could return this year

Clemson fans feared the worst when Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson went down with a knee injury during Saturday’s loss to Georgia Tech. However, after being evaluated by Clemson’s medical staff, it was determined that the standout freshman does not have a torn ACL, as initially feared.

According to a release from the program, Watson has a sprained LCL and a bone bruise. Additionally, guard David Beasley’s injury is also considered minor. The senior, who has started much of the last three seasons, was diagnosed with Patellar tendon inflammation.

“We received some great news tonight,” head coach Dabo Swinney said Sunday night. “Both players are not seriously injured, something we feared Saturday. They are listed as day-to-day and their status will be evaluated later this week.”

Watson has thrown for 1,197 yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games – including four starts – for the Tigers this season. Before returning to the starting lineup against Georgia Tech, Watson missed three games with a broken bone in his hand.

After senior Cole Stoudt started at the beginning of the season, Watson, a Rivals.com five-star recruit in the class of 2014, took over as full-time starter in the Tigers’ fourth game against North Carolina.

Watson led the Tigers to wins over the Tar Heels and N.C. State before injuring his hand against Louisville on Oct. 11.

Clemson, now 7-3 after Saturday’s loss, hosts Georgia State this weekend at 3:30 p.m. ET.

For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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