The injury bug has struck Duke once again.
Per a team press release Wednesday afternoon, junior cornerback Bryon Fields suffered a torn ACL during practice Tuesday and will miss the entire 2015 season.
"The cruelest element of college football—and for all of college athletics—is injury, and we certainly feel heartbreak at this time for Bryon and his family," Duke head coach David Cutcliffe said in the release. "We know Bryon is in great hands with our medical staff, and I have all the confidence in the world in Bryon’s dedication and perseverance to overcome this obstacle. The challenge for a football team to lose a player with Bryon’s ability and experience is significant, but it’s one we’ll embrace."
Fields started all 13 games as a sophomore last year and was slated to start again in the secondary, which was expected to be one of the Blue Devils' strongest units. He registered 70 tackles—including 2.5 tackles for loss—and one interception as Duke went 9-4 a season ago.
The injury to Fields could mean more playing time for sophomore Alonzo Saxton II, who took first-team snaps earlier in camp while Fields was out with a leg injury. The Columbus, Ohio, native played in eight games last year and could step into a starting role alongside Breon Borders, Deondre Singleton, Jeremy Cash and DeVon Edwards in the secondary.
Fields' surgery will be performed by Dr. Claude T. Moorman III, who is Duke's head team physician, according to the release.
The Charlotte, N.C., native could apply for a medical redshirt season and return next year with two remaining years of eligibility. Duke opens the 2015 season Sept. 3 at Tulane.
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