NC State football injury report: Pack expects two back, McMahon still questionable

N.C. State hopes to have several players back for its game at Virginia after injuries left areas of the depth chart thinner than usual.

Head coach Dave Doeren said junior cornerback Aydan White is expected to return after missing the team’s contest against VMI.

Center Dylan McMahon is day-to-day, though he’s listed as the projected starter on the upcoming depth chart. McMahon left the last game after the first series, but nothing on the postgame medical tests caused concerns. The graduate student and team captain doesn’t need surgery.

“Dylan has had things in the past. He’s a very quick healer, very tough guy,” Doeren said. “He’s gonna do everything he can to play in this game, but we’re two days from that game. We’ll have to see where he’s at tomorrow. I know he’ll do everything he can to be out there.”

If McMahon does not clear protocols, the staff could move redshirt sophomore Lyndon Cooper from left guard. Cooper played at center against VMI, earning praise for his performance. Doeren said he was the team’s offensive player of the game.

The Pack’s head coach isn’t surprised, though. The offensive lineman got reps behind alumnus Grant Gibson last season and has continued to progress.

“I think putting Cooper at guard allowed him to get playing and not have to worry about the snaps and all that. He’s improved a lot. We feel great with him (at center),” Doeren said. “He understands the system and what to do with it. There’s great confidence if he’s the guy we have to roll with.”

N.C. State should have safety Rakeim Ashford back, as well. He’s missed the last two games after his injury in the season opener against UConn.

The Pack opens ACC play on the road at Virginia this week. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.