NC State’s first availability report for the Duke game brought a little of everything: a few key names trending in the right direction, a few more still in limbo, and enough uncertainty to keep the Wolfpack’s depth under the microscope.
The biggest question mark on the offensive line is Teague Andersen, who left the Cal game injured and is listed as questionable. That matters even more because Daniel Cruz, who would normally be the next man up at center, is out. If Andersen can’t play, sophomore Kage Payne is listed behind him.
There’s also uncertainty at tight end, where Preston Douglas is questionable after getting banged up in the win over the Golden Bears.
The most encouraging note for NC State is the status of running back Duke Scott. He’s questionable after missing the past three games following his injury in the win over Louisville, which at least leaves the door open for a return this Saturday. In his absence, Davion Gause has taken over the starting role and turned in one of the best performances of his career against Cal, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver Jojo Trader is another name worth watching. He was injured against Louisville, came back last Saturday in limited action, and played just 2 snaps against Cal.
He isn’t listed on the availability report, which should be taken as a positive sign. Even so, he wasn’t on Monday’s depth chart, where Chance Robinson was listed as the starter.
Robinson responded with the best game of his career against Cal, catching 4 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, starting strong safety Tristan Teasdell is also questionable after being out since the Louisville game. That’s another important piece for a unit that has already taken hits.
NC State does have some good news on the report, with three starters listed as probable: Ronnie Royal III, Harvey Dyson III, and Joseph Adedire. Royal III’s 33 tackles rank third on the team, and he also has three pass breakups.
Dyson III is third on the team in tackles for loss with 3.5, second in sacks with 1.5, and second in pass breakups with 3. Short-yardage quarterback specialist Will Wilson and defensive lineman AJ Prim are also probable.
Here’s the full picture from the ACC’s initial report released Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET:
Vander Ploog TE Out
Isaiah Crowell NCK Out
AJ Richardson ILB Out
Daniel Cruz OL Out
Yousef Mugharbil OL Out
Spike Sowells Jr.
OL Out
Ian Flynt TE Out
Nick Konieczynski K Out
Jayden “Duke” Scott RB Questionable
Tristan Teasdell S Questionable
Preston Douglas TE Questionable
Teague Andersen OL Questionable
Ronnie Royal III S Probable
Harvey Dyson III OLB Probable
Will Wilson QB Probable
Joseph Adedire DE Probable
AJ Prim DL Probable
NC State’s availability totals: 8 Out, 4 Questionable, 5 Probable. Jojo Trader is not listed on the report.
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ETSU comes in after a loss to Arizona State and will have to navigate another difficult road assignment under coach Brooks Savage. The matchup carries added weight for the visitors because of the roster hit they are dealing with, and NC State will be looking to take advantage of that while continuing to settle into its own identity. For the Wolfpack, the bigger question is not just whether they win, but how sharp they look while doing it. [Read more 🡒]