Dave Doeren Says NC State’s Payton Wilson & Shyheim Battle Are Expected to Play vs. Texas Tech

In is weekly press conference today, NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren said that Redshirt Junior Linebacker Payton Wilson and Redshirt Sophomore Cornerback Shyheim Battle are both expected to play for the Wolfpack against Texas Tech this Saturday night.

“As far as the health of our roster, we’ll have Payton Wilson back. We expect to have Shyheim Battle back, as well. As you know, Trent [Pennix] is out four to six weeks. Other than that, we’re very healthy as we get ready for this game.” (GoPack)

Both Wilson and Battle were held out of the game this past weekend against Charleston Southern. Wilson was dressed to play, but Battle was in street clothes.

Wilson only played in 2 games in 2021, after suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery. He only played in 11 snaps in the season opening game against East Carolina, before leaving the game with discomfort in his shoulder. The MRI came back negative, and he did begin practicing again last Wednesday.

Battle was injured in the ECU game as well laying a big hit, where it looked like the injury could have been a blow to the head, but no details have been shared with the details to Battle’s injury.