Jela Duncan out for rest of season after tearing Achilles tendon

Duke leading rusher Jela Duncan tore his Achilles tendon while celebrating a teammate's touchdown on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the season, coach David Cutcliffe announced during his Sunday teleconference.

Duncan was hurt late in the third quarter after Shaun Wilson scored to pull the Blue Devils within a field goal of Georgia Tech. Duke eventually lost 38-35. Duncan finished with 52 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the game.

"Certainly we are all heartbroken for Jela and his family," Cutcliffe said. "His passion, toughness and level of commitment have been exemplary, and everyone in our program has benefited from his presence.

"As one of six players to rush for 2,000-plus yards in the history of Duke University, Jela's play on the field speaks for itself, but what he has meant to our program off the field is also extremely relevant. He's a special young man who, with our support, I know will attack this next challenge."

Duncan, a senior, finishes the season with 450 yards and a team-high six touchdown runs.

The injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the Blue Devils. Already this season, they lost starting quarterback Thomas Sirk to a torn Achilles tendon and leading returner/cornerback DeVon Edwards to torn ligaments in his left knee during a victory over Notre Dame in September.