Star NC State linebacker Payton Wilson suffers apparent injury, questionable to return vs ECU

NC State’s defense just took a huge blow. According to the ESPN broadcast of their game vs. East Carolina, star Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson suffered an injury and may not return. Here was the report from ESPN’s Andrea Anderson on Twitter:

“FYI – ESPN broadcast said NC State LB Payton Wilson suffered an upper body injury and his return is questionable.”

The redshirt junior is coming off almost a whole season missed due to a shoulder injury and may be back on the sidelines with unlucky health after going out during the game against ECU. Despite not playing last season, Wilson is a huge loss for the Wolfpack given that he led the team in tackles in both 2019 and 2020 — and recorded a mammoth 108 total tackles during the 2020 COVID year.

Massive loss if he is indeed out for the rest of the game.

NC State takes lead on blocked-punt TD

No. 13 NC State didn’t get off to the best start on the road vs. in-state rival ECU. The Pirates scored the first touchdown of the game to go up 7-0. But Devin Leary and company marched down the field right afterward to even it up at 7-7.

The good fortune continued for the Wolfpack, as they forced a three-and-out and then blocked the punt, recovering it in the end zone for a touchdown. 14-7 NC State. That was quick. Take a look:

BLOCKED PUNT FOR 6‼️

After a 3-and-out, NC State blocks and recovers ECU’s punt for a touchdown🔥 @TheWolfpacker pic.twitter.com/UwXqia0296

— On3 (@On3sports) September 3, 2022

After stumbling out of the gate and allowing East Carolina to take the first lead, the Wolfpack quickly ran off 14 straight to go from down a touchdown to up a touchdown. Those home Pirate fans don’t know what just hit ’em.