NC State's Doeren Shares Big Update on Cian Slone's Health

The Update

NC State head coach Dave Doeren offered an update on Slone's status ahead of a Week 5 matchup against Virginia Tech.

• "Cian got banged up in the game, and we think we'll have him this week. The reports have been good. So, it's good news on that front," Doeren said Monday.

With the Harsh and Slone partnership back together, NC State's defense will try to recover from a complete collapse against the Blue Devils. The defensive line struggled to contain sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah for major portions of the loss and failed to stop the run in critical moments.

Doeren said the team felt the absence of the two key pass rushers, particularly in the second quarter, as Duke closed in on the Wolfpack before overtaking them with under a minute left in the half. Even in just 12 snaps, Slone finished with the team's highest defensive grade according to Pro Football Focus.

• "Not having Cian and Sabastian in the second quarter, you can definitely feel when both of those guys aren't available," Doeren said.

The duo of game wreckers was a revelation for the Wolfpack throughout the 3-0 start. Through the first four games, Slone and Harsh combined for 30 total tackles, eight quarterback hurries, 4.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. Getting both of them back will be critical for a defense trying to stop a dynamic quarterback in Virginia Tech's Kyron Drones.

While it's unclear what Slone injured during the game, Doeren and the staff seem confident it is minor and the veteran linebacker can return to make an impact for the Wolfpack defense as the season moves along.

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