Auburn may want to start worrying about how to cover Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

Watkins was arrested on two misdemeanor drug charges in May, which put his ability to play against Auburn in the Georgia Dome in jeopardy.

But Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, who indicated previously that Watkins probably would not avoid punishment, said Tuesday the door is still open for the standout wide receiver to be on the field on Sept. 1.

"There's certainly a chance anything could happen," Swinney told reporters at his annual media golf outing. "We'll wait and see and talk about it further."

What changed things for Watkins? Swinney said it is his reaction to the arrest.

"The only thing I will say is he's gone above and beyond the things required of him," Swinney said. "I'm not surprised by that. This is a young man who's got some rebuilding to do. He's damaged a little bit of trust. All you can do is respond. He's responded very well, done things we've asked him to do.

"And if he continues to do that, again, we've got a little time left before camp actually starts with some of the things we've asked him to do. If he continues to handle himself like he has, we'll render the punishment."

Even if that punishment is for a few series or a quarter, having Watkins available would be a huge boost for the Tigers, who are entering the season with big aspirations after winning the ACC for the first time since 1991.

Watkins caught 82 passes as a freshman and led the team with 1,219 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He also set ACC freshman records in yardage, receiving and touchdowns last fall.

A win against Auburn would go along way to erasing doubt among players after getting blown out by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl.