Soreness keeps DeVante Parker out of game

CLEMSON, S.C. – He was cleared to practice this week and he wore his jersey on Saturday, but star University of Louisville receiver DeVante Parker didn't play at Clemson.

Parker, who participated in all three of Louisville's practices in preparation for Saturday's game, was held out because the persistent soreness in his body after returning from a six-week absence from football.

U of L coach Bobby Petrino said several times this week that Parker's status was best described as "questionable," and that Louisville's training staff would have to evaluate the 6-foot-3 receiver on Thursday night and Friday to determine if he could play.

Parker's injury is fully healed six weeks after surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

He began working out for trainers and coaches last week, running routes and prepping for a return.

But, Petrino said, the rest of his body had to adjust to the physicality of football after such a long layoff.

Reve returns

Six months ago, Louisville defensive back Jermaine Reve hurt his knee and needed surgery. In the days after the injury, Petrino said Reve, a redshirt junior, was out "indefinitely."

He returned to action on Saturday, and he did so in impressive fashion.

Reve, who spent most of his playing time last year as U of L's nickel formation cornerback, played the same position for the Cardinals against Clemson, and he recorded three first-half tackles, two for loss, and one sack.

His return also allowed senior Terell Floyd, who spent the first six games of the season as a starter at safety, to move back to cornerback.

Floyd started 26 games at cornerback in his previous three seasons.

New offensive line

Well, it wasn't new in terms of players, but Louisville tweaked its offensive line for the Clemson game.

Senior right guard Jake Smith moved to the left side, and senior John Miller swapped with Smith to right guard.

The right side of the offensive line has been the chief area of concern for the Cards' pass protection this season, and in the early going of Saturday's game, the move seemed to pay off.

Watson out

Louisville spent all week prepping for Clemson's talented freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson, but the Cardinals didn't see much of him.

Watson, who has been electric in two starts and a lengthy appearance at Florida State, injured his hand in the first half and didn't return.

He was replaced by the original Clemson starter this year, Cole Stoudt.

But Watson, as well as he's done this season, didn't have much impact against U of L.

He completed two of his six passes for minus-5 yards. He had three carries for 10 yards.

Reach U of L beat writer Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter (@jeffgreer_cj).