Dave Doeren Gives Injury Updates on Trent Pennix, Tyler Baker-Williams, Demie Sumo & Devin Carter

While NC State head coach Dave Doeren gave a huge injury update on Quarterback Devin Leary at his weekly press conference today, he also gave injury updates on Tight End Trent Pennix and Nickel Tyler Baker-Williams.

Senior Nickel Tyler Baker-Williams

“Hope we have Tyler Baker-Williams back this week. That was the plan. We’ll find out. We haven’t practiced yet. That was the plan. We’re looking forward to that.”

Getting back Baker-Williams will be huge. He hasn’t played since suffering an injury against Texas Tech. He’s the 5th highest graded Cornerback in College Football in 2022 according to ProFootballFocus (88.9), and the best in the ACC. Baker-Williams is the highest graded player on NC State’s defense this year.

Redshirt Junior Tight End Trent Pennix 

“Trent Pennix is close. He’s either this game (Syracuse), or the next (Virginia Tech). He’s very close to being back.”

Pennix hasn’t played since the season opener against East Carolina. Getting him back would be huge for a Wolfpack offense that has struggled moving the ball through the air this year. A gadget-type Tight End, similar to the H-Back style of Jaylen Samuels, has the ability to create mismatches, which is something the Wolfpack receivers haven’t been able to do much of as of late.

I believe the return of Pennix will result in other players getting more space in coverage as well, because defenses will have to account for him. The former Running Back doesn’t move like other Tight Ends.

Redshirt Freshman Running Back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye & Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Devin Carter

Both Sumo and Carter left the FSU games with injuries. He said they were sore, but he expects them to be back for Syracuse.

With there being a good chance the Wolfpack will be without Leary against the Orange on Saturday, having Sumo will be huge, as the Wolfpack will have to lean heavy on the run game. If Chambers is called upon to throw, having a big body like Carter will be a big plus.

Sophomore Wide Receiver Anthony Smith 

There was no update on Wide Receiver Anthony Smith today. He has missed the past two games due to injury, and no update has been given. Smith is seemingly the Wolfpack’s lone legit deep threat it seems, so his return can’t come soon enough.