Already winless in two games and playing in a conference known for some high-flying offenses, Duke will have to replace not one but two starting cornerbacks.
The school announced Wednesday that starting cornerbacks Josh Blackwell (torn meniscus in his right knee) and Mark Gilbert (loose bone fragment in his right foot) underwent surgery this week and are out indefinitely.
Blackwell, a redshirt junior, had his surgery Monday. Gilbert, a senior, underwent his surgery Tuesday.
Blackwell had four tackles — one for loss — and returned five punts for 35 yards in two games this season. Gilbert has eight tackles and an interception this season. Both players have started both games for the Blue Devils (0-2) thus far.
The blow is a particularly tough one for Gilbert, who was an all-ACC pick in 2017 but has played in only two games since after suffering a hip injury in September 2018. The injury cost him all of the 2019 season.
Duke has already faced Notre Dame and quarterback Ian Book, losing 27-13 in the season opener Sept. 12. Next up for the Blue Devils is Virginia, whose game Saturday against Duke will be its season opener.