The Duke Blue Devils are coming off their first loss of the 2026 season, falling short at Georgia Tech last week. After Duke mounted a comeback to take the lead late, the Yellow Jackets scored the game-winning touchdown.
Duke marched down the field and was set up for a tying field goal, which ended up being missed, giving the Blue Devils the loss. Now, the 4-1 Blue Devils are set to hit the field this weekend, hosting rival North Carolina.
The Blue Devils took down the Tar Heels a year ago, and they are looking to continue their win streak and extend it to three, holding the Victory Bell since the 2024 season. But as we approach game day, the Blue Devils and Tar Heels have put out their injury reports as mandated by the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Duke's injury report is a little smaller, but there's one key name on it. Running back Nate Sheppard.
The Blue Devils have listed Sheppard as questionable for the game on Saturday but have not disclosed the injury. Duke will have to put out another report on Friday which will give a more clear picture of what's going on.
Duke Football Injury Report
Below is the full injury report listed by Duke on Wednesday night:
OUT
- WR Jamien Little
- WR Blake Rohrer
- QB Lawrence Gardner
- WR Qeanu Johnson
- LB Elliott Schaper
- K Cosme Salas
- OL Kai Jacobwitz
- OL Reagan McCranie
- OL Roman Fina
QUESTIONABLE
- RB Nate Sheppard
Obviously, the Sheppard injury is the most notable on this list. It's unknown exactly the injury he suffered but it's not thought to be serious enough to miss the game. We fully expect Sheppard to play come Saturday.
North Carolina Injury Report
Here is the injury report released by North Carolina on Wednesday:
OUT
- DB Tre Miller
- DB Jakob Weatherspoon
- DL Viliami Moala
- WR Keeyun Chapman
- DL Vodney Cleveland
- DL Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu
DOUBTFUL
- DB Kaleb Cost
QUESTIONABLE
- DL Isaiah Johnson
- DB Greg Smith
- WR Mason Humphrey
- DL Donovan Hoilette Jr.
- OL Jordan Hall
- TE Jordan Washington
PROBABLE
- DL Jaylen Harvey
- DB Peyton Waters
- WR Kymistrii Young
- TE Deems May
Now, this is just an early injury report so it's not time to panic just yet. Friday's report will tell us a lot more and if the injuries are serious it will be reflected on that report.
Duke and North Carolina will tipoff on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Durham.