As will be the case for most football programs across the country, Duke will be at less than full strength when they open up spring practice.
The Blue Devils will open spring practice Friday (today) and will be without a pair of starters, offensive tackle Gabe Brandner and linebacker Ben Humphreys (pictured, leaping), when it comes to contact as they continue rehabilitating from surgery. The former suffered a broken ankle in the November loss to Pitt that required surgery to repair while the latter underwent an offseason medical procedure on his shoulder.
Thomas Sirk continues his recovery from what was his third Achilles injury, which he sustained nearly a year ago, and will be held out of contact as well. The same injury cost the quarterback both the 2013 and 2016 seasons.
Because of those injuries, Sirk was granted a sixth season of eligibility from the NCAA this past November.
Sirk started all 12 games during the 2015 season before rupturing his Achilles in early February of 2016. Daniel Jones started the 2016 season and will remain in that position despite Sirk’s return.