N.C. State's Wilson, Irving out indefinitely

RALEIGH, N.C. — N.C. State’s starting quarterback Russell Wilson and its best defensive player, linebacker Nate Irving are out for Saturday’s game against No. 13 South Florida.

A depth chart released Monday lists Harrison Beck as the starting quarterback with Daniel Evans as backup.

Coach Tom O’Brien did not specify Wilson’s injury and had no comment on either Wilson or Irving’s current situation.

“They are both injured and won’t play,” O’Brien said. “It’s indefinite. I have no idea how long it is going to be. I don’t have to discuss the injuries until Thursday so I’m not going to say anything.”

A source told WRAL Monday that Wilson has a shoulder injury - although it was unclear which one - and Irving has a high ankle sprain. High ankle sprains tend to be worse because they can linger.

N.C. State releases its injury report on Thursday, usually after O’Brien speaks to the media.

Wilson was named the ACC offensive back of the week for his performance against No. 15 East Carolina. He led the Wolfpack to a 30-24 overtime victory and completed 21-of-31 passes for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and was sacked once.

Irving was injured midway through the contest with the Pirates. He returned for a few plays with a heavily taped lower leg before leaving the field with a trainer.

Irving leads the defense with 34 tackles and three interceptions.

“He’s an experienced player,” linebacker Ray Michel said. “I don’t want to say it’s going to be hard to replace him, but there’s going to be a drought there.”

Wilson and Irving are the latest players to be bitten by the injury bug. So far this season, State has had 10 starters miss a total of 27 games.

“We’ve been dealing with it all year,” O’Brien said. “That’s the amazing thing about the win on Saturday. We’ve got nine or 10 starters that aren’t playing on this football team and it has consistently been that way. When you look at the schedule, it’s amazing we played the way we have.”

Wilson is set to miss his second game of the season. The quarterback suffered a grade 3 concussion in the South Carolina game and did not play against William and Mary.

Harrison Beck will replace Wilson in his first start of the season. He came off the bench to lead the Pack to a win over William and Mary, throwing for 246 yards with two touchdowns and 1 INT. Daniel Evans started that game.

Beck will be State’s third starting quarterback this season.

“We certainly don’t want to be in our fifth game of the year on our third different starting quarterback, but that’s where we are,” O’Brien said. “It’s his opportunity, we’re going to see what he’s made out of. He can certainly help this football team and this is his chance to do it. He’s going to have to get it done this week.”

So far, Beck has been a much safer bet in a backup role.

He started four games in 2007, throwing for 624 yards with no touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

“He can wing it around,” O’Brien said. “We just have to tell him that we’re wearing the red jerseys on Saturday night and we’ll be in good shape. “

Despite the numerous injuries the Pack has suffered this season, O’Brien is optimistic State’s fortunes will change.