No Sirk, no problem for Duke?

DURHAM — Duke will play its 2016 football season without its most-productive offensive player from 2015.

Redshirt senior quarterback Thomas Sirk re-injured the same left Achilles’ tendon he tore last February running in practice on Thursday. Exams Friday showed a partially torn tendon which means Sirk will have surgery that ends his season and, perhaps, his college career.

Last season, Sirk helped Duke compile an 8-5 record, including a 44-41 overtime win over Indiana in the Pinstripe Bowl. Sirk shared co-MVP honors at the bowl game after rushing for 155 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing for 163 yards and a touchdown.

Sirk led Duke with 803 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season. He threw for 2,625 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight interceptions.

What was Sirk’s status in practice and what’s next for his eligibility? To find out for free, sign up for basic access to ACCSports.com.