As the 2-1 Blue Devils prepare to take on Memphis at home Saturday night, Duke released its weekly injury report. Here’s a rundown of the players are listed on the injury report this week:
PROBABLE
LB Kyler Brown (upper body)
S Jordon Byas (leg)
S Walt Canty (shoulder)
WR Jamison Crowder (upper body)
QUESTIONABLE
OG Lucas Patrick (ankle)
OUT
CB Jared Boyd (leg)
LB Kelby Brown (leg)
NG Jamal Bruce (foot)
S August Campbell (upper body)
TE Braxton Deaver (leg)
LB Brendan Fowler (upper body)
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Justin Foxx (hand)
OUT FOR SEASON
WR Blair Holliday
DE Allen Jackson (shoulder)
S Corbin McCarthy (shoulder)
Breakdown: Lots of positives on Duke's injury report this week. Hampered by injuries throughout the summer, the Blue Devils are finally getting healthy, and have welcomed back many players to practice this week, including Kyler Brown, Jordon Byas and Lucas Patrick. Byas, who has not seen any action in 2012, should provide some support in Duke's secondary as the Blue Devils ease him back into the rotation.
Duke also dodged a major bullet over the weekend to avoid adding yet another injured safety to their list of ailments. After leaving Duke's win against N.C. Central with a shoulder injury, Walt Canty practiced Tuesday with his teammates and is listed as probable for the Blue Devils' matchup with Memphis. All indications point to the fact that he and wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who is also listed as probable, are on the injury report as a precaution and will play Saturday.
The Blue Devils would like to see guard Lucas Patrick on the field Saturday, though he will likely be a game-time decision. Patrick, who has not played a game for Duke this season, has participated in practice this week and would provide immense support to the Blue Devils' offensive line, who have been excellent in pass protection in his absence but struggled with their run blocking. The addition of Patrick would be a huge benefit for Duke, but the coaching staff do not want to rush him back and risk further aggravating his ankle injury. Given his participation in practice this week, it is likely that he will suit up against the Tigers Saturday.
Overall, the biggest bright spot on Duke's injury report this week is that the list of players out continues to grow shorter. The Blue Devils are likely relieved to have added three key players back into the mix this week while no new players have been knocked out of Saturday's game.
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