Palmer practices full-go, expected to return against Seminoles

Clemson appears poised to get one of its top passing threats back in time for Saturday’s 7:45 p.m. showdown with Florida State.

Coach Dabo Swinney said Wednesday that senior tight end Michael Palmer — who missed last week’s rout of Coastal Carolina with a concussion sustained from a helmet-to-helmet hit at Miami — practiced without limitations Wednesday.

“I expect him to play,” Swinney said. “He’s practiced all yesterday and today, had a very good practice today, and I expect him to play. Any kind of setback can happen, that’s for doctors to determine, but I think he’s ready to play.”

Palmer is the Tigers’ second-leading receiver behind wideout Jacoby Ford. In his absence, Clemson tight ends had only one catch for six yards.

BOWERS OUT, BUT SWINNEY HOPEFUL

Sophomore defensive end Da’Quan Bowers will not play against FSU while recovering from sprained knee ligaments, but Swinney is confident he can potentially return against N.C. State. He has already shed crutches and has been an active presence at practice, refereeing plays and assisting coaches.

“Bowers looks good,” Swinney said. “He’s out there blowing the whistle, calling sacks, he’s having a good time. He’s out there trying to coach and he looks good. He’s moving around well. I’m just glad (the injury), it’s not a major-type injury that he’s not out for the year or has to have some type of surgery.”

In Bowers’ absence, the starting role will likely fall to freshman Malliciah Goodman, whom Swinney has great confidence in.

“He’s special. As good a kid as you’ll ever meet,” Swinney said. “Very humble, very coachable, handles criticism well. He’s tried to please in everything he does, not just on the football field, but on campus, in the classroom… he’s always willing to do his part. He’s a special player, a special kid.”

EMOTIONAL IMPACT?

Swinney said he isn’t sure what impact Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews’ retirement announcement will have on the Seminoles’ defense. Andrews, in his 26th season at FSU, will retire at season’s end. The Seminoles have struggled defensively this year and are last in the ACC in total defense.

Swinney had a similar experience; when he was an Alabama senior wide receiver in 1992, longtime Auburn coach Pat Dye announced his resignation the night before the Iron Bowl. The Tide won 17-0 and went on to win the national title.

“I’m sure it has an emotional affect, but the game is played by the players. That’s the bottom line,” he said. “I have all the respect in the world for coach Andrews and what he’s done. He’s one of the best in the business and has been for a long, long, long time.

“Every time I’ve spoken to him on the road he’s always been great to me, as a young coach, just very kind and warm every time I’ve been around him. The game is losing a good one right there. He deserves to be able to enjoy retirement if that’s what he wants to do.”