BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota State starting quarterback Carson Wentz will miss the rest of the regular season after breaking a bone in his throwing wrist, the school announced Tuesday.
Wentz will have surgery Wednesday on the wrist he hurt Saturday during the team’s 24-21 loss to South Dakota, Bison athletic department spokesman Ryan Perreault said. Wentz has a “non-displaced fracture” and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. The team hasn’t ruled out a possible return in the postseason.
“Carson means a lot to this program both on and off the field, and nobody on this team is more disappointed about this setback than he is,” said coach Chris Klieman. “We’re still going to count on him to help lead this team and mentor our younger players.”
Initially thought to be a sprain, further tests Monday and Tuesday confirmed the fracture.
NDSU is the four-time defending Football Championship Subdivision champion. The Bison are 4-2 this season and ranked No. 8 in both national polls after the upset loss to the Coyotes ended their 26-game home winning streak.
Wentz, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound senior from Bismarck, is a two-year starter. His backup is redshirt freshman Easton Stick, of Omaha, Nebraska.
In six games this season, Wentz has thrown for 1,454 yards - an average of about 242 per game - with 16 touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has rushed for 215 yards and four scores.
Last season, he threw for 3,111 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions, and set NDSU single-season records for passing attempts, completions, yards and total offense. He scored the winning touchdown in last season’s FCS championship game in which the Bison downed Illinois State 29-27 and was named most valuable player.
NDSU travels to Indiana State (4-2) on Saturday. The Sycamores are ranked No. 18 and No. 21 in the two national polls.
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Garcia Cano reported from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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