# Clemson RB Jay Haynes Returns After Injury

> Clemson running back Jay Haynes returns to field after 679 days with help from teammates.
- Title: Clemson RB Jay Haynes Returns After Injury | Shortify
- Summary: Clemson running back Jay Haynes returns to field after 679 days with help from teammates. Clemson RB Jay Haynes returned to playing after 679 days with…
- Keywords: clemson, jay haynes, running back, clemson tigers, memorial stadium, virginia tech, acl injury, sports, Jay, Haynes, Returns, Injury
- Source: Clemson Tigers On SI — https://si.com/college/clemson/football/why-team-relationships-helped-clemson-rb-jay-haynes-get-back-to-playing
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:47:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: clemson, jay haynes, running back, clemson tigers, memorial stadium, virginia tech, acl injury, sports
## Jay Haynes' Injury
Two seasons ago, Clemson running back Jay Haynes was the backup running back preparing to be the next starter.
## Torn ACL in December 2024
A torn ACL in December 2024 changed his role and forced him into rehab.
## Rehab Timeline
Haynes took nearly seven months to trust his knee again before missing the 2025 season.
## Coach Spiller's Support
Running backs coach C.J. Spiller stayed on Haynes, never letting him slack off.

> He’s really like a father to me now, obviously, with me coming to college, that’s kind of what all the coaches take in, being a father to the guys that they recruited. But Coach Spiller, he always stayed on me; he never let me slack off at all.
## Film Room Accountability
Spiller kept Haynes sharp in film sessions despite missing game time.
## Roommate Jarvis Green
Freshman roommate Jarvis Green helped Haynes stay focused during rehab.
## Mutual Support
Haynes and Green leaned on each other to stay motivated during rehab.

> Some days, you’re going to feel tired, you don’t want to do anything, but I was able to lean on Jarvis, and then Jarvis was able to lean on me.
## First Game Action in 679 Days
Haynes recorded nine carries for 25 yards in his first game action in 679 days.
## Next Game Against Virginia Tech
Haynes and Clemson will play Virginia Tech at Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m.
## Key takeaway

Clemson RB Jay Haynes returned to playing after 679 days with support from teammates.