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NCAA grants sixth year for Duke QB Thomas Sirk

Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk has missed two seasons because of Achilles tendon injuries. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk has missed two seasons because of Achilles tendon injuries. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Duke received good news from the NCAA.

The Blue Devils announced Monday that quarterback Thomas Sirk has been granted a sixth year of eligibility. Sirk has missed the entire season because of an Achilles tendon injury.

“I’m so grateful to have a sixth year to continue my dream of playing college football and, academically, work towards another degree from Duke University,” Sirk said in a statement.

Sirk, the team’s projected starting quarterback, initially injured the Achilles back in February and was nearing a return when he re-aggravated the injury on August 25 during preseason workouts. The injury, a partial tear to his left Achilles tendon, has sidelined him for the entire season. Duke has also lost seniors Jela Duncan, the team’s top running back, and safety DeVon Edwards, an All-American kick returner, to season-ending injuries.

Sirk, a team captain, would have been a fifth-year senior this season. He also missed the 2013 season because of an injury to his right Achilles tendon.

In 2015, he started 12 games for the Blue Devils, throwing for 2,625 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also led the team with 803 yards and eight scores rushing.

With Sirk sidelined, redshirt freshman Daniel Jones emerged as the team’s starter. He has thrown for 2,520 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for 471 yards and a team-leading seven scores. The Blue Devils dropped to 4-7 with a 56-14 loss at Pitt over the weekend. The team will round out its season at Miami on Saturday.

For more Duke news, visit DevilsIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!