NC State will head into Saturday’s matchup with Louisville still short-handed up front, as starting center Spike Sowells Jr. has been ruled out for the third straight week.
Sowells was listed among NC State’s outs on the latest ACC injury report, leaving Teague Andersen to keep working in his place. Andersen has already made the most of the opportunity, earning ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance against App State. Even so, the Wolfpack’s line depth is being tested again, with Rico Jackson stepping in at right tackle after originally being expected to serve as a utility lineman at guard or tackle.
The Wolfpack’s injury list is not limited to Sowells. NC State has already lost linebacker AJ Richardson for the season, while freshman receiver Tyreek Copper remains doubtful and may still not be available through the first five weeks. Tight ends Vander Ploog and Ian Flynt are also officially out for Saturday.
Louisville, meanwhile, has a major question mark hanging over its offense. Starting quarterback Lincoln Kienholz was listed as questionable after getting hurt against Wake Forest last Saturday, opening the door for one of the ACC’s most productive and dangerous passers to potentially miss the game.
Through his first four starts for Louisville, Kienholz has completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 1,140 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. He has also added 134 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.
The Cardinals may also be missing other notable pieces. Defensive back Koen Entringer, who sat out the Wake Forest game, was again listed as questionable, along with wide receiver Lawayne McCoy.
Here’s the full ACC injury report for Saturday:
NC STATE
OUT
Tight end Vander Ploog
Center Spike Sowells Jr.
Nickel Isaiah Crowell
Offensive lineman Rylan Vann
Nose guard Carmelo McKenzie
Tight end Ian Flynt
DOUBTFUL
Wide receiver Tyreek Copper
Kicker Nick Koniecynski
LOUISVILLE
OUT
DB Antonio Watts
TE Travis Egan
P Jacob Baker
OT Bryten Close
OL Ellis McAdoo
OL Sam Secrest
WR Montavin Quisenberry
TE Hamilton Atkins
DL Sam Dawson
QUESTIONABLE
QB Lincoln Kienholz
DB Koen Entringer
WR Lawayne McCoy
DB DJ Waller Jr.
WR Elizjah Lewis
DL Daylen Russell
PROBABLE
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