An injury in an inconsequential dual may have cost ISU wrestler Mitch Mueller the rest of his freshman season.

Mueller (141) dislocated his right elbow three weeks ago against Rider and has missed the team’s last three duals.

The Big 12 Championships are March 3, but ISU wrestling coach Cael Sanderson hasn’t ruled out the possibility that the freshman standout will be able to get back on the mat and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

“We’re not going to throw him out there if he’s not ready,” Sanderson said. “But I have a hard time giving up hope, and I know he does too.”

Sanderson said Mueller has been training and will get checked out by doctors before next Saturday’s meet.

Also coming back from injury is Mueller’s replacement, Laramie Shaffer.

The freshman from Winterset had his knee scoped and cleaned after damaging the cartilage.

Mueller (16-13 overall) is currently ranked 12th in the nation.

“There is no major damage, which is big,” Sanderson said. “It’s just time for everything to get everything back to normal.”

Despite a record just above .500, Mueller has shown his ability to compete with top wrestlers and has been ranked in the top 15 most of the season.

He is 1-1 against Oklahoma State All-American Nathan Morgan, who likely would be his first opponent of the Big 12 Tournament.

“Any time you have the type of injury he has, the doctors are going to be real skeptical because it’s a major injury,” Sanderson said. “But they aren’t giving up hope, and we aren’t either.”

Mueller could not be reached for comment as of press time.