Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19; could miss next two games including Notre Dame

Former Cartersville High School quarterback and current Clemson signal-caller Trevor Lawrence received news Thursday that his COVID-19 test came back positive.

As a result, one of the nation’s Heisman Trophy favorites will be sidelined Saturday at the top-ranked Tigers take on Boston College.

Clemson is a 31-point favorite at home Saturday against the Eagles, so his absence does not raise too much concern -- as far as the Tigers' chances in the game.

The bigger question being analyzed by the national media — will Lawrence be available for the Tigers’ November 7 showdown at 4th-ranked Notre Dame?

According to coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson tests three times each week. Lawrence’s Wednesday test returned positive and was announced on Thursday.

Lawrence said via Twitter Thursday that he has “relatively mild symptoms” and that he “can’t wait for the opportunity to rejoin the team.” The quarterback lives alone and said he will be watching his teammates from isolation. Although not announced by coach Swinney, true freshman quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is considered the favorite to fill in Saturday against Boston College (4-2).

On to the bigger question — Notre Dame?

The ACC’s 10-day isolation rule for student-athletes who test positive for COVID-19 makes it tricky for a Lawrence return in time to play against the Irish. Factors will depend on the initial date he showed symptoms prior to testing positive. We don't know exactly when his 10-day clock starts, if his symptoms began prior to Thursday.

If Lawrence recovers right away, and his symptoms started as early as this past Tuesday, he could possibly be available for the Notre Dame matchup. The Tigers and Irish square off exactly 10 days after Lawrence's positive test. That would squeeze his recovery time into the narrow window required by the conference. The game is in South Bend, Ind., though, so getting him there without breaking isolation protocol might prove difficult and tricky. The question also would be whether coach Swinney would play his star quarterback against the No. 4 team in the nation without even one practice rep in a 10 day recovery.

Lawrence has gone 30-1 with a national title while at Clemson. He is assumed by many experts to be the overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft.