Injury update: NC State OLB Cian Slone expected to play vs. Virginia Tech

NC State expects graduate outside linebacker Cian Slone to be available to play against Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon (7 p.m., The CW), Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said during his Monday afternoon press conference.

“Cian, he got banged up in the game, and we think we’ll have him this week,” Doeren said. “The reports have been good, so it’s good news on that front.”

Slone appeared to suffer an upper body injury in the first half during the Wolfpack’s 45-33 loss at Duke on Saturday afternoon at Wallace Wade Stadium. He was taken to NC State’s locker room via a cart shortly after before reappearing on the sideline without shoulder pads or a helmet in the third quarter.

The former Utah State transfer has been a critical part of the Pack’s pass rush this fall with 16 total tackles, including one for a loss, and 10 total quarterback pressures through the first four weeks. Slone has also added an interception and pass defended in the Wolfpack’s new JACK linebacker role for first-year coordinator D.J. Eliot.

Although Slone is expected to return, the status of redshirt junior nickel Jackson Vick and senior wide receiver Wesley Grimes is unclear for the game against the Hokies. Both players were game time decisions at Duke, but didn’t play. Grimes was dressed for the game, while Vick was not.

NC State’s first availability report for its ACC tilt with Virginia Tech is scheduled to be released Thursday at 8 p.m.