Duke wide receiver Issac Blakeney damaged a ligament in his right thumb during Saturday's 22-10 loss at Miami. The redshirt senior will attempt to play through the injury and hold off surgery until after the season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The injury occurred on the first drive of the second half when Blakeney caught a pass from quarterback Anthony Boone over the middle for a 1-yard gain. Blakeney was stopped and sustained a crushing hit from Hurricane linebacker Denzel Perryman, who forced the ball loose. The fumble was recovered by Miami at Duke's 32-yard line, and the Hurricanes scored four plays later to push their lead to 16-7.
Blakeney finished Saturday's loss with three receptions for 14 yards.
Surgery on Blakeney's injured thumb would likely end his season. Playing through the injury would require Blakeney wearing a heavy brace on his right hand.
Duke declined to comment on the extent of Blakeney's injury or his timetable for surgery.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and possessing breakaway speed, Blakeney has established himself as a matchup problem on the outside for opposing defense. The Monroe, N.C., native has emerged as a weapon for the Blue Devils and is in the midst of his most successful season of his career, leading the team with three receiving touchdowns and ranking third with 17 receptions for 196 yards.
After suffering their first loss of the season to the Hurricanes, the Blue Devils have a bye this week before traveling to Atlanta Oct. 11 to take on Georgia Tech at 12:30 p.m.
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