Duke football injury report, 10-4-12

[jimsumner]

Duke vs. Virginia

October 6, 2012



PROBABLE

David Helton (leg)



QUESTIONABLE

CB Lee Butler (lower body)

QB Sean Renfree (arm)

DT Jamal Wallace (lower body)



OUT

CB Jared Boyd (leg)

S Brandon Braxton (upper body)

LB Kelby Brown (leg)

NG Jamal Bruce (foot)

TE Braxton Deaver (leg)

DE Justin Foxx (hand)

S Chris Tavarez (leg)



OUT FOR SEASON

TE Jack Farrell (leg)

WR Blair Holliday

DE Allen Jackson (shoulder)

S Corbin McCarthy (shoulder)

S Taylor Sowell (leg)

[OldPhiKap]

Ouch.

Good thing we have developed some depth over the last few years. We have some good players that have opportunities to step up.

Go Duke!

[loran16]

is another way of still saying that we know nothing. Cut's still playing games here I think - Renfree could already be considered almost certain to play or not even close, and Virginia has no clue.

I just wish I had a clue.

[jimsumner]

is another way of still saying that we know nothing. Cut's still playing games here I think - Renfree could already be considered almost certain to play or not even close, and Virginia has no clue.

I just wish I had a clue.

Cut did say Tuesday that some of these would be game-time decisions, even suggesting that the 3 o'clock kickoff was better than a noon kickoff for this reason. I suspect it actually may be that fine a line.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Cut did say Tuesday that some of these would be game-time decisions, even suggesting that the 3 o'clock kickoff was better than a noon kickoff for this reason. I suspect it actually may be that fine a line.
If it were to be that close, I'd think the coaches would start Renfree and see how feels and does. If he is hurting too much, or ineffective due to the injury, they can easily bring in Boone to finish out the game.

[Dev11]

If it were to be that close, I'd think the coaches would start Renfree and see how feels and does. If he is hurting too much, or ineffective due to the injury, they can easily bring in Boone to finish out the game.

The other interesting question, which will certainly not be answered, is what is the breakdown of the first-team reps in practice this week? Knowing the answer to that question would answer the issue.

[jimsumner]

The other variable here is Connette. He's been banged up more than a bit. If Renfree can't go, then Duke may not want to play Connette at non-QB positions any more than necessary.

[Olympic Fan]

The real disappointment for me is the presence of Braxton on the out list ... he's been a great run-defender from safety. Actually, our pass coverage may improve a bit if that means Foster is in the starting secondary, but we lost against the run.

The other disappointment is the slow recovery of Jamal Bruce ... a month ago I was hearing optimistic stuff about how he'd be back by the end of the September. Now, no hint that he's even close to coming back.

As for Connette ... good to see he's not on the list at all this week after being questionable a week ago. I agree with Jim -- while Connette can help a lot of places, he's most valuable as a short-yardage quarterback.

[mkline09]

I would have to think that given that questionable is not out, and that it is a later start time, and that Cut has said Renfree has been at least out on the practice field and not in the training room every waking second, that unless he gets worse he will play. This is a huge game for Duke and Renfree is in his senior season so unless, as Cut says, he is not safe to play or would hurt the team by playing, I'd be willing to bet he plays. Though I'm not a betting man and have never really been that optimistic; so perhaps its a sign.

[jimsumner]

The real disappointment for me is the presence of Braxton on the out list ... he's been a great run-defender from safety. Actually, our pass coverage may improve a bit if that means Foster is in the starting secondary, but we lost against the run.

The other disappointment is the slow recovery of Jamal Bruce ... a month ago I was hearing optimistic stuff about how he'd be back by the end of the September. Now, no hint that he's even close to coming back.

As for Connette ... good to see he's not on the list at all this week after being questionable a week ago. I agree with Jim -- while Connette can help a lot of places, he's most valuable as a short-yardage quarterback.

It's hard for me to think of a parallel for what Duke has gone through this season at the safety position. Cash's appeal to play this season was denied. Sowell-out for the season. McCarthy-out for the season. Tavarez-out for a long time, maybe out for the season. Campbell leaves the team. Byas misses the first three games after surgery. Young-Wiseman was hurt early. Now Braxton.

Duke is down to four healthy, recruited safeties with college experience. Two of them--Canty and Byas--are playing at a high level. But I'm not sure either Young-Wiseman or Norman should be starters and one of them has to be. Rider and Bristow are walk-ons, valuable practice players but most walk-ons are walk-ons for a reason.

Assuming Butler plays, Duke has five healthy corners, Butler, Cockrell, Foster, Burton and Patterson. Keep in mind, Duke likes to use three safeties and two corners. So, I would expect to see some corners playing safety Saturday. There just aren't enough safeties.

Duke has switched to three corners in obvious passing situations. Foster did tell us Tuesday that he's been practicing at safety and feels like he can fill in there. But he's awfully slight for a safety.

FWIW, Duke has two recruited freshmen DBs who haven't played yet, safety Michael Westray and corner Devon Edwards. You would hate to burn a redshirt this deep into the season but you also would hate to lose a chance to get to a bowl game.

And please, please, please keep Connette as far away from safety as possible. The risk/reward ratio seems way skewed towards risk.

[devildeac]

The other variable here is Connette. He's been banged up more than a bit. If Renfree can't go, then Duke may not want to play Connette at non-QB positions any more than necessary.

Yep, that DB position for us this year is a real injury prone one:(:mad:.

[DukeSean]

The other interesting question, which will certainly not be answered, is what is the breakdown of the first-team reps in practice this week? Knowing the answer to that question would answer the issue.

According to the Herald-Sun, Boone did get the majority of reps in practice this week:

http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/20370083/article-UVA-DUKE--Renfree-questionable--Braxton-out-for-Saturday?

So, I suspect that Renfree's injuries are indeed serious enough that this is a true game-time decision. My guess is that Renfree starts.

[budwom]

Cutcliffe does a great job of revealing basically nothing when it comes to injuries. I guess he prefers keeping our opponents guessing. But I do expect Renfree to start for some reason...

[OldPhiKap]

Cutcliffe does a great job of revealing basically nothing when it comes to injuries. I guess he prefers keeping our opponents guessing. But I do expect Renfree to start for some reason...

Que Willis Reed.

[wilson]

Any word on Renfree for today? Anthony Boone's very solid performances notwithstanding, I think playing without Renfree would be a serious blow to our chances.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Any word on Renfree for today? Anthony Boone's very solid performances notwithstanding, I think playing without Renfree would be a serious blow to our chances.

Well, maybe not! :cool:

[Greg_Newton]

While we're in this thread, it didn't look like anyone who played this game had to leave with injury, did it? Another great bonus if true.

I know guys like Canty and Butler were basically play injured and still need to recover, but hopefully today was a step in the right direction injury-wise as well.

[jimsumner]

While we're in this thread, it didn't look like anyone who played this game had to leave with injury, did it? Another great bonus if true.

I know guys like Canty and Butler were basically play injured and still need to recover, but hopefully today was a step in the right direction injury-wise as well.

Cut said after the game that some guys left with cramps.

He also said that Renfree could have played but that he thought the risk of aggravating the elbow was too great. He also left no doubt that Renfree would start next week if sufficiently healthy.

[uh_no]

Cut said after the game that some guys left with cramps.

He also said that Renfree could have played but that he thought the risk of aggravating the elbow was too great. He also left no doubt that Renfree would start next week if sufficiently healthy.

I don't see how anyone could call it any other way.

Boone had a very good game, yes, but he was "only" 18-31....and was very close to picks on a couple occasions along with several overthrown balls. No doubt he is going to take the reigns for the next two years, and his 4 TD performance was great, but he still has work to do to become near the level of renfree, who has yet to have a game this year with a <70% completion rate...

either way, great experience for boone, this team will be in good hands when renfree steps aside

[devildeac]

If not mentioned already, UVa was 4/16 on 3rd down conversions and 0/3 on fourth down attempts.

Very impressive.

[uh_no]

If not mentioned already, UVa was 4/16 on 3rd down conversions and 0/3 on fourth down attempts.

Very impressive.

Thy were also 0/scoring in the second half :)

amazing defensive effort

[devildeac]

Thy were also 0/scoring in the second half :)

amazing defensive effort

With 5 first downs, as someone already mentioned, and about 140 yards.

Wal-ter Can-ty-clap,clap, clap/clap/clap.

[OldPhiKap]

With 5 first downs, as someone already mentioned, and about 140 yards.

Wal-ter Can-ty-clap,clap, clap/clap/clap.

Two yards rushing in the second half.

[devildeac]

Two yards rushing in the second half.

And Canty contributed to that with a great play-a tackle for a loss of 2 yards when UVa had a 4th and 1 near midfield.

Another two stands out prominently in the UVa stats: two turnovers.

[loran16]

I don't see how anyone could call it any other way.

Boone had a very good game, yes, but he was "only" 18-31....and was very close to picks on a couple occasions along with several overthrown balls. No doubt he is going to take the reigns for the next two years, and his 4 TD performance was great, but he still has work to do to become near the level of renfree, who has yet to have a game this year with a <70% completion rate...

either way, great experience for boone, this team will be in good hands when renfree steps aside

He reminds me of a young Thad Lewis - doesn't need to use his legs, but can when he needs to, and can throw deep when the moment is there (I've seen at least one of those bombs with Eron Riley before). He's clearly raw - like i said, a YOUNG Thad Lewis....but Thad was terrific. And if that's what we have to look forward to next year, we're in real good shape.

[uh_no]

He reminds me of a young Thad Lewis - doesn't need to use his legs, but can when he needs to, and can throw deep when the moment is there (I've seen at least one of those bombs with Eron Riley before). He's clearly raw - like i said, a YOUNG Thad Lewis....but Thad was terrific. And if that's what we have to look forward to next year, we're in real good shape.

if we go from thad, to renfree, to boone....does duke become a go to place for quarterbacks?

[loran16]

if we go from thad, to renfree, to boone....does duke become a go to place for quarterbacks?

It's not already? That's Cutcliffe's specialty, ya know.

[uh_no]

It's not already? That's Cutcliffe's specialty, ya know.

you don't say????

:D

[jimsumner]

if we go from thad, to renfree, to boone....does duke become a go to place for quarterbacks?

FWIW, the Duke coaches really, really, really like Thomas Sirk. Better physical tools than Boone or Connette and a great skill set.

No experience going into next season. But don't assume Boone just walks into the starting spot.

[loran16]

FWIW, the Duke coaches really, really, really like Thomas Sirk. Better physical tools than Boone or Connette and a great skill set.

No experience going into next season. But don't assume Boone just walks into the starting spot.

Oh nos, we might have competition between good options for the QB position next year! I'm quaking with fear!

Of all the problems to have.....

[Native]

FWIW, the Duke coaches really, really, really like Thomas Sirk. Better physical tools than Boone or Connette and a great skill set.

No experience going into next season. But don't assume Boone just walks into the starting spot.

Seconded. A friend who lived on my floor last year was a trainer for the team and had nothing but excellent things to say about Sirk. We'll be in great hands at the QB position for at least a while longer after Sean departs.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Seconded. A friend who lived on my floor last year was a trainer for the team and had nothing but excellent things to say about Sirk. We'll be in great hands at the QB position for at least a while longer after Sean departs.

I wouldn't be offended for Duke to be called QBU. ;)

[devildeac]

FWIW, the Duke coaches really, really, really like Thomas Sirk. Better physical tools than Boone or Connette and a great skill set.

No experience going into next season. But don't assume Boone just walks into the starting spot.


Oh nos, we might have competition between good options for the QB position next year! I'm quaking with fear!

Of all the problems to have.....

More bad news (jk, of course). Just like this year we could see 3 QB on the field at one. Sirk taking the snap, Connette in the backfield or as TE and Boone as WR;). Or some permutation thereof.

[OldPhiKap]

More bad news (jk, of course). Just like this year we could see 3 QB on the field at one. Sirk taking the snap, Connette in the backfield or as TE and Boone as WR;). Or some permutation thereof.

I am waiting for them to use Connette as a pulling guard. He'll, he does everything else. I hear he even tidies up the locker room after practice in order to "leave no footprints."

[Newton_14]

I am waiting for them to use Connette as a pulling guard. He'll, he does everything else. I hear he even tidies up the locker room after practice in order to "leave no footprints."

Coach Cut called Connette his "Phantom Of the Opera"" on Friday. Says you never know which positional meeting he is going to show up for during the week, or where you will see him on Saturday's.

[devildeac]

I am waiting for them to use Connette as a pulling guard. He'll, he does everything else. I hear he even tidies up the locker room after practice in order to "leave no footprints."

He's a bit small for that, even at 6'2" and 225 pounds. Now, maybe as LB...

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

More bad news (jk, of course). Just like this year we could see 3 QB on the field at one. Sirk taking the snap, Connette in the backfield or as TE and Boone as WR;). Or some permutation thereof.

And that's not even considering who might be recruited to QBU.;)

[devildeac]

The more I think about this and reflect on Jim Sumner's analysis last week, the more impressed I am with the "patchwork quilt" we have out there with so many injuries. I think we'll have a real test on the road this week against a hungry and perhaps desperate Hokie team on their turf. Hoping we get a couple or three guys back this week...

[PDDuke85]

The more I think about this and reflect on Jim Sumner's analysis last week, the more impressed I am with the "patchwork quilt" we have out there with so many injuries. I think we'll have a real test on the road this week against a hungry and perhaps desperate Hokie team on their turf. Hoping we get a couple or three guys back this week...

Anyone notice Ross Cockrell, after a nice tackle, seemingly play with one arm at his side for a stretch? He's one tough hombre.

[OldPhiKap]

Anyone notice Ross Cockrell, after a nice tackle, seemingly play with one arm at his side for a stretch? He's one tough hombre.

Either Coach or Conty said that Russ was banged up.

[devildeac]

Anyone notice Ross Cockrell, after a nice tackle, seemingly play with one arm at his side for a stretch? He's one tough hombre.

He's been working out with Patrick Davidson. Or Coach Badass, who, BTW, was in the GA seats yesterday about 10 rows in front of us along with our too-small-to coach-the-bigs coach, the good Capel and Collins, the younger. Nate had an adorable little boy with him, too. No report on whether the kid has a 'tude yet;).

[OldPhiKap]

He's been working out with Patrick Davidson. Or Coach Badass, who, BTW, was in the GA seats yesterday about 10 rows in front of us along with our too-small-to coach-the-bigs coach, the good Capel and Collins, the younger. Nate had an adorable little boy with him, too. No report on whether the kid has a 'tude yet;).

Nate, Cockrell, and Connette get together every Monday to chew on steel nails and granite rocks. Word is, Condy is invited for this week's meal.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Nate, Cockrell, and Connette get together every Monday to chew on steel nails and granite rocks. Word is, Condy is invited for this week's meal.

I think you mean Canty. :cool:

[CameronBornAndBred]

Nate, Cockrell, and Connette get together every Monday to chew on steel nails and granite rocks. Word is, Condy is invited for this week's meal.

His first bit of advice to them was "give them your best smile before you knock them into next week.

2851

[ForkFondler]

I think you mean Canty. :cool:

Or Conner. Or both.

[peloton]

I think you mean Canty. :cool:

...or possibly OPK meant Condi as in...oh, nevermind.

[OldPhiKap]

...or possibly OPK meant Condi as in...oh, nevermind.

Condi Rice and I were playing at the National today, so that must be who I meant.

Who is this "Canty" of which you speak, and what has he done for me lately? ;-)

[devildeac]

Nate, Cockrell, and Connette get together every Monday to chew on steel nails and granite rocks. Word is, Condy is invited for this week's meal.


I think you mean Canty. :cool:

But he keeps talking about this Russ Cockrell guy, too. Any relation to Donovan Vernon? Or is it Connor Varner?;)

[peloton]

Sheesh. C'mon guys...receiver Conner Varner graduated last year, remember? Let's keep this stuff straight, okay? But seriously, it was pretty sweet beating Mike Beamer and the Cavs this past Saturday.

[OldPhiKap]

Sheesh. C'mon guys...receiver Conner Varner graduated last year, remember? Let's keep this stuff straight, okay? But seriously, it was pretty sweet beating Mike Beamer and the Cavs this past Saturday.

It is nice to be near the top of the SEC for once.