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Bison All-American Cole Wisniewski Out for 'Significant' Time

North Dakota State offensive lineman suffered a lower-body injury in practice Tuesday

Wisniewski started 13 games at left guard last season and was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State has suffered a significant blow to its offensive line with the loss of starting left guard Cole Wisniewski for an undetermined amount of time.

Wisniewski, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound redshirt junior, suffered a lower-body injury in practice on Tuesday. The injury is expected to keep Wisniewski out for a “significant” amount of time, according to North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz.

“Cole is a great player and a great leader for us,” Entz said in a statement. “He's worked extremely hard to get to this point, and it's a tough break for him. We're going to do everything we can to support him and help him get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Wisniewski started 13 games at left guard last season and was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press. He was also a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection and was named to the FCS Athletic Directors Association All-America Team.

The All-American honor was the second of Wisniewski's career. He was also named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2021.

Wisniewski's injury is a big loss for North Dakota State, which is ranked No. 1 in the FCS preseason polls. The Bison are set to open the season on Aug. 27 at home against Drake.

What does this mean for North Dakota State?

• The Bison will be without one of their best offensive linemen for an undetermined amount of time.
• North Dakota State will have to find a replacement at left guard.
• The Bison's offensive line could be a weakness this season if Wisniewski is out for an extended period of time.

What are some possible replacements for Wisniewski?

• Jalen Sundell is a redshirt sophomore who started two games at left guard last season.
• Mason Miller is a redshirt freshman who was a highly-touted recruit out of high school.
• Cody Mauch is a redshirt senior who has played in 20 games in his career.

How will North Dakota State's offense be affected by Wisniewski's injury?

The Bison's offense could be less effective without Wisniewski in the lineup. Wisniewski is a key part of North Dakota State's running game, and he also helps to protect quarterback Cam Miller.

North Dakota State will need to find a way to replace Wisniewski's production if they want to be successful this season.

Conclusion

The Bison will need to find a way to replace Wisniewski's production if they want to be successful this season, but it could be a challenge, and Wisniewski's injury could be a major setback for the Bison's title hopes.