Fisher: No date for James’ return

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State standout safety Derwin James remains out indefinitely after undergoing left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but there is a good chance he will return to action in 2016.

Jimbo Fisher, during his Monday press conference, said while there’s no distinct timetable for James’ return, he could play toward the end of this season.

“He ain’t going to redshirt,” Fisher said before flashing a smile. “He’s not staying for a fifth year anyway. You hope he stays for a fourth.”

James had surgery on Sept. 12, two days after suffering the injury during the third quarter of FSU’s 52-8 win over Charleston Southern. Fisher gave a prospective timetable of five to seven weeks after James had surgery, with the latter part lining up with FSU’s game against Clemson on Saturday.

But the Seminoles continue to take a cautious approach with James, who will be a junior and eligible for the 2018 NFL draft.

“There’s no way to judge this thing,” Fisher said. “They know he’s much further along than most people are, but if you chance it, then there’s a chance on tearing everything. ... He’s healing very fast and very quickly, but there’s a certain amount of time we’re going to hold him.”

The game time for FSU’s game at NC State on Nov. 5 will be announced on Sunday after the Clemson game, the ACC announced Monday.

Next game: No. 3 Clemson at No. 12 FSU, 8 Saturday, ABC