Running back Tony Creecy returned to the top of the depth chart on Monday but freshman Shadrach Thornton will also play against Miami on Saturday.
Creecy missed N.C. State's 52-14 win over The Citadel last Saturday with an undisclosed injury, as did James Washington. With Mustafa Greene suspended for the second straight week, that left Thornton, a freshman, who ran for 145 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his first college game.
Thornton's second on the depth chart, behind Creecy, who has 130 yards on 31 carries in three games.
"We are going into the week with Creecy and Thornton and we'll see where the week ends up," N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said Monday.
O'Brien did not provide an update on Greene, who has rushed for 101 yards in two games, including one start.
O'Brien said Creecy could have been used in case of emergency against The Citadel but Thornton's play eliminated any need to risk Creecy's health.
Thornton impressed O'Brien with both his toughness and running ability.
"Maybe we found something in Shadrach," O'Brien said. "Certainly what he showed Saturday, he could be a pretty dang good running back."
