Does a dwang/blocking qualify as "protection" for non-finished walls?
The NEC requires the cable to be 1-1/4” back from the face of the stud. If it is not a nail plate is required. Code requires the cable to be protected in the stud bay by 1/2” plywood or sheetrock. This is normally required to a height of 8’(some inspectors allow 7’ the height is not specifically listed in code but protected by elevation at 8’ is listed so most use that)
It may look funny for the 1 bay to be closed in but these are the 2 requirements.