Clemson football's Xavier Thomas reportedly injured during scrimmage

CLEMSON – Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas returned for this senior season to prove his NFL worth and that he could stay healthy.

Coach Dabo Swinney didn't mention Thomas specifically in addressing injuries after Saturday morning's closed scrimmage at Memorial Stadium. But there were multiple reports that Thomas was seen being carted off. Later, there were ominous messages from Thomas on Twitter.

"Life really isn't fair man," he wrote. "It really isn't."

He followed that with: "Small thing to a GIANT. The work does not stop!. I'll be right back. God got the kid."

Other injuries

• Troy Stellato: Wide receiver Troy Stellato will miss season with knee 

• Lannden Zanders: Dabo Swinney's 'heart breaks' for defensive back

Clemson was finishing its first full week of preseason practice as the fourth-ranked Tigers prepare for the Sept. 5 opener at Georgia Tech.

"One guy looked like he hurt his ankle," Swinney said after the scrimmage. "I couldn't tell. He jogged off."

Thomas is a fifth-year senior who said he was in the best shape of his life heading into a season that could make him an early-round NFL draft pick. He had 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a freshman but injuries and illnesses have held him back for the past years. He has 112 career tackles and 12.5 sacks.

"He's had a great camp," Swinney said Saturday when asked about how Thomas has looked in preseason. "He's as focused as he's ever been. I've never, ever seen him run like I've seen him run. .... He's really developed into a good leader. I'm proud of him. Xavier Thomas is what coaching is all about. I'm just really proud of him and who he is and how he's developed and matured as a man."

More: Xavier Thomas says, 'Nobody's seen what I'm capable of' 

Todd Shanesy covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football's Xavier Thomas reportedly injured during scrimmage