Duke Quarterback Walker Eget Exits Game Against Virginia With Hand Injury
The sixth-year signal-caller left the field in the first quarter after hitting a defender's helmet during an opening touchdown drive.
Duke football quarterback Walker Eget exited Friday's game against Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, during the first quarter after sustaining a hand injury. The sixth-year signal-caller did not return for the remainder of the opening half following the Blue Devils' initial possession.
The injury occurred when Eget's hand struck the helmet of a UVA defender during a successful opening drive. On that sequence, Eget completed two of two passes, highlighted by a 35-yard completion to Jonah Burton that advanced the team deep into opponent territory. Nate Sheppard scored on the subsequent play to cap a four-play, 78-yard drive that gave Duke an early 7-0 lead.
Following the score, Eget went into the medical tent at the end of the drive and remained sidelined for the rest of the half. Head coach Manny Diaz noted that the player's exit was precautionary and related to physical discomfort.
"Hit a helmet on the big pass," Manny Diaz told ESPN reporter Dana Boyle during the broadcast. "We had planned on getting Mahan in anyway and have him play a drive or two. We'll reevaluate now and see how Walker see what's best going forward."
In Eget's absence, redshirt freshman quarterback Dan Mahan took over under center for the remainder of the first half. Mahan completed two of five pass attempts for 17 yards and contributed five rushing yards on two carries. After their initial scoring drive, the Blue Devils struggled to sustain offensive momentum, punting the ball away on four consecutive possessions.
Eget ultimately managed to return to the field for the Blue Devils out of the halftime break. According to comments relayed by Diaz to ESPN, the issue primarily affected his grip rather than his throwing mechanics.
The Atlantic Coast Conference matchup at Scott Stadium featured the visiting Blue Devils entering the contest with a 4-2 overall record and a 1-2 conference standing, while the host Cavaliers held a 4-3 record overall and a 2-2 mark in ACC play. The game was broadcast nationally on television via ESPN and streamed live through various digital platforms.