N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien expects to get some healthy players back for Saturday's game against Central Michigan, but not all of them.
Fullback Taylor Gentry, running back Curtis Underwood and punter Wil Baumann were listed in the Wolfpack's depth chart on Monday and have a chance to play against the Chippewas, O'Brien said.
Four defensive linemen, linebacker Terrell Manning and running back Mustafa Greene are unlikely to to return from the injured list this week, O'Brien said.
"Realistically, we can get everybody back for the second half of the year," O'Brien said, pointing towards the Oct. 22 trip to Virginia.
The Wolfpack (2-3) closes its nonconference schedule this week and then has an open date. O'Brien's first team, in 2007, started 1-5 but rallied after the bye week to win four straight.
"We're starting over now," said senior defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy. "What has happened, has happened."
Sweezy made his season-debut in Saturday's 45-35 loss to Georgia Tech. He missed the first four games with a foot injury. Defensive end A.J. Ferguson (knee), defensive tackle Brian Slay (ankle), defensive tackle Thomas Teal (foot) and defensive end Jeff Rieskamp (shoulder) all missed the Georgia Tech game and are not expected back before the Virginia game.
Greene, the team's leading rusher a year ago, hasn't played this season, either. He suffered a foot injury in spring practice and had offseason surgery. O'Brien has said they won't make a decision about whether to redshirt Greene, until after the open week.
Underwood missed the Tech game with a knee injury but is listed as James Washington's backup at running back for this week's game.
O'Brien did not release an updated injury report on Monday because the ACC policy only requires updates for conference games.
Gentry, who played defensive tackle and fullback against Tech, injured his ankle and missed the second half. O'Brien expects him to return for Central Michigan. Baumann injured a hamstring in warmups before the Tech game and did not punt on Saturday but is also expected back.
Comments
One can only hope
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 11:18 — JPDOhioDespite the result, the Pack showed signs of life against a good Ga Tech team. Getting a win on Saturday gets them to 3-3. With a bye week to get some guys healthy, it is possible the season can be salvaged.
Like Sweezy said, there is nothing they can do about the past. They need to forget about the results, correct the mistakes and play like they are capable of playing. This is not a bad team, but it certainly an underachieving one, even when the injuries are taken into account.
yea, but ....
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 14:33 — gvillegatrthey only showed "life" after they got down three scores both times. That always has something to do with the other team as well.
Everyone but state fans have said it since day one: TOB would regret the day he told RW he was welcomed back on the team as long as he knew he going to be QB2.
Regardless of whether RW could have kept these guys in games and won a few, perception is everything.
I'll be shocked if UNC and state aren't looking for HC this winter ...
TOB
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 16:12 — SurferI am pretty sure that UNC will be looking for a HC this winter, but I think I would be shocked if state is, as well. With the injuries, RW situation and not losing to UNC, I think that state will give TOB another year or two at least. Remember, misery loves company and TOB loves a good pig pickin. Besides, it is not the overall record or number of winning seasons, that is the measuring stick at state, but the number of "t-shirt events".
Yeah
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 15:16 — YAR8packBecause Russell Wilson not only plays QB but he's also one helluva d-lineman, defensive coordinator and knows how to get a running game going. Your simpleton ways still surprise me sometimes. Just when I thought you couldn't be more uninformed, you set a new mold. Congrats.
NC State would still be 2-3, no matter if RW were behind center. You can say otherwise, but all one really needs to do is look back at the 2009 season. Similar circumstances. Similar lack of results.
Go ahead. Say NC State would be undefeated with RW at the helm. Nobody is dumb enough to think that. Well, maybe you...
Diarrhea of the mouth
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 22:31 — gvillegatrNothing changes with you. Do you have any reading/comprehension skills ? Where did I say the muts would have won ALL their games with RW behind center ? Go read it again, douche.
However, it does please me that you still feel it necessary to comment on what I have to say.
Weak
Thu, 10/06/2011 - 14:24 — YAR8packYour response adds more validity to the statement of how simple minds are easily entertained.
Perhaps you should take up reading comprehension. No where did I directly say that you said that NC State would be undefeated with Russell at the helm. However your vitriol says it all.
Good job on the failed attempt to be holier than thou with name calling.
Simple mind
Thu, 10/06/2011 - 18:29 — gvillegatrYou post the same drivel every time. I could post the sky was blue and the sun was yellow and you'd drag over from your desktop the same crap post like you do everytime. Keep saying the same stuff. You never have anything interesting to say anyways. #bored
Tom O'Brian Situation
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 14:47 — sfdombyI just moved from Raleigh to South Carolina. Someone asked me if I was going to support the Gamecocks, I said no that I had had enough pain supporting the Wolfpack since Dick Sheridan left.
I believe one of the reaons Coach O'Brian has so much success at Boston College was that he had a great defensive coordinator and has never had that at NCSU. Why he has not realized that is puzzling.
The Russell Wilson situation, why he would let him get away is even more puzzling.
I admire O'Brian's loyalty to his defensive coordination and to this year's quarterback but one must question his judgement which will probably get him fired. He simply has not done the job at NCSU even though he has beat the Heels four times...if he beats them five times maybe the Pack will keep him, no matter what.
keeping TOB
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 12:04 — SurferTo me, TOB seems like a perfect fit at State and I hope that they keep him for a long, long time...
Nice and succinct
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 11:13 — JPDOhioI am not sure I have seen a more concise commentary on the state of Pack football anywhere.
Clearly, the defense has not played up to the level of its inherent talent and not just this year. That has to be placed squarely on Mike Archer's head, but he was chosen by TOB and the head coach bears the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of that unit. I don't think beating UNC will be enough for TOB to be comfortable with his job at the end of the year. He needs to win at least 5 of his last 7.
I apparently am in the minority regarding TOB's decision to release Russell from his scholarship. No need to rehash that here. Regardless, RW wouldn't turn this team into a contender. Transferring to Wisconsin is the best thing that could have happened to Russell, as he is now in the national spotlight with a shot at a national championship and a Heisman trophy. Neither of those would have happened in Raleigh.