Here’s how Duke is expected to replace injured CBs Blackwell and Gilbert vs. Virginia

Duke cornerbacks Josh Blackwell and Mark Gilbert are each out indefinitely after suffering injuries, Duke Senior Associate Director of Communications Kat Castner said on Wednesday.

Duke is scheduled to play at Virginia on Saturday. Leonard Johnson and Jeremiah Lewis were listed behind Blackwell and Gilbert on Duke’s depth chart before last week’s loss to Boston College and are expected to start.

Johnson, a junior, started all 12 games last season with 48 tackles and two interceptions, including one against Virginia. Lewis, a sophomore, played in all 12 games last year with seven tackles, including four against Virginia.

Blackwell suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during Sunday’s practice and underwent surgery on Monday to repair the injury. Gilbert, who just returned after a season-ending left-hip injury that kept him off the field for two years, had surgery on Tuesday to remove a loose bone fragment in his right foot.

Blackwell was a returning starter and made four tackles in the Blue Devils’ first two games, including one tackle for loss. Additionally, the Buford, Ga. native was the primary punt returner, tallying five returns for 36 yards so far this season.

The junior has registered 15 starts and played in 23 games during his career, tallying 57 tackles, 13 pass breakups and one forced fumble along with 13 punt returns for 142 yards.

Gilbert, a senior who had not played in a live game since Sept. 8, 2018, started both games for the Blue Devils this season, tallying eight tackles and intercepting one pass. The Fayetteville native has played in 29 career games, accumulating 65 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and 17 pass breakups.

This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 4:56 PM.