Duke football decimated by injuries early in camp: RB Jela Duncan out indefinitely

Entering the season, Duke’s running game was supposed to be a strength, but the backfield has been decimated by injuries so far in training camp.

Redshirt junior running back Jela Duncan—who missed last season due to suspension—suffered a torn pectoral muscle in practice Monday and is out indefinitely, head coach David Cutcliffe announced Tuesday morning. Monday was the Blue Devils’ first day in full pads and sixth day of camp overall.

The bad news does not end there for Cutcliffe and the rest of the coaching staff, however, as sophomore running back Shaun Wilson and redshirt sophomore running back Joseph Ajeigbe are also dealing with lower-body injuries that will keep them out of contact drills. Along with senior Shaquille Powell, Duncan, Wilson and Ajeigbe were expected to be one of the best backfields in the ACC.

“Just when you feel comfortable with four experienced running backs on the depth chart, three of them are in the training room,” Cutcliffe said in a press release. “Jela’s injury is obviously disappointing because we know how hard he’s worked to get back into the thick of things following the two shoulder surgeries. Joe and Shaun aren’t available right now, but neither appears to be out long term.”

As a result of the injuries, third-string quarterback Nicodem Pierre—a redshirt freshman—has been moved to running back. Pierre was ranked as the No. 14 dual-threat quarterback in the 2014 recruiting class.

“I’m really proud of Nico and how he’s handled this situation,” Cutcliffe said in the release. “With his unselfishness and commitment to this program, he is displaying the traits of the ultimate teammate. And I absolutely love it because it’s a great sign of the growth of our program when the young men take ownership of the organization and have the passion to contribute in any way possible.”

Another major contributor for the Blue Devils on the other side of the ball, starting junior cornerback Bryon Fields, will also miss extended time with a leg injury. Fields recorded 70 tackles and an interception last season. Due to his injury, sophomore Alonzo Saxton II—who played in eight games last year—is taking first-team reps opposite junior cornerback Breon Borders.

Duke has time to get healthy and make necessary adjustments—its season opener at Tulane is not until Sept. 3—but will now need several younger players to step up throughout the rest of camp.

“Injuries create opportunities for others,” Cutcliffe said in the release. “While it is never easy to replace a starter, we’re certainly confident in the depth we’ve established. The bottom line is that our young guys have to be ready for the challenge when their number is called.”