RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren said Monday injured starting quarterback Brandon Mitchell has been cleared to “start moving around without a boot on.”
Doeren on Monday described his status as day-to-day and said it depends on how quickly he can progress.
The graduate transfer from Arkansas began the season as the starter but has been out since breaking a bone in his left foot Aug. 31 during the opener against Louisiana Tech.
Doeren previously said there was “hope” he could play this week against Syracuse. The first-year coach says Mitchell dropped back and threw in cleats Sunday “and looked real good doing it.”
“As soon as the doctors say he’s safe to play and it looks like he’s got the rust off, we’ll get him out there,” Doeren said.
Mitchell did not appear on the depth chart released Monday. Colorado State transfer Pete Thomas, who started the last five games in Mitchell’s absence, was again listed as the starter for the Wolfpack (3-2, 0-2 ACC).
Doeren also said a pair of injured freshmen – running back Matt Dayes (ankle) and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) – will play this week against the Orange (2-3, 0-1), but veteran offensive tackle Rob Crisp (concussion) “is still out for sure.”