DUKE SHOCKER: Blue Devils Starter Spotted in Walking Boot at Practice — Inside the Drama, the Diagnosis, and What It Means for Duke’s Championship Run
DURHAM, N.C. — The buzz around Duke University’s practice facility grew tense on Tuesday morning as reporters and fans witnessed something no Blue Devils supporter wanted to see: junior starting guard Jalen Price, one of the team’s emotional leaders and top playmakers, entering the facility in a walking boot.
Price, who has been averaging 14.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 2 steals per game this season, was seen favoring his right foot and did not participate in full-contact drills. His presence on the sidelines sent shockwaves through the college basketball world just days before Duke’s high-stakes showdown with conference rival North Carolina.
Sources within the program confirmed that Price suffered what is being described as a “mild stress reaction” in his right foot during a high-intensity scrimmage on Sunday. While the injury is not expected to be season-ending, team doctors have ordered a precautionary rest period of 7–10 days, during which Price will be evaluated daily.
“This is not the news we were hoping for,” said head coach Jon Scheyer in a brief press conference following practice. “Jalen is one of the toughest kids I’ve coached. He wanted to play today. He’s in good spirits, but we’re taking every precaution. We need him healthy for March.”
The sight of Price in a boot has sparked national concern, particularly given his importance on both ends of the floor. His absence, even temporarily, could alter Duke’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament and impact their push for an ACC title.
Speculation ran wild across social media, with fans posting videos and slowed-down footage of Sunday’s scrimmage in an attempt to pinpoint the moment of injury. One video, viewed more than 300,000 times on TikTok in under 24 hours, appears to show Price landing awkwardly after contesting a jump shot, then limping slightly before being subbed out.
Team insiders emphasized that the boot is mostly precautionary, and Price has not been ruled out for the upcoming weekend game. In fact, a source close to the program says that the team is “cautiously optimistic” he’ll return in limited minutes if cleared by Thursday.
In the meantime, freshman phenom Kylan Boone will likely step into the starting rotation. Boone has dazzled in short bursts but hasn’t had to carry the load like Price.
“This is a gut-check moment for us,” Boone said. “Jalen’s like a big brother. We’ve got to hold it down until he’s 100%.”
As Duke’s tournament hopes remain alive and well, all eyes will be on the walking boot—and whether it comes off in time for one of the biggest matchups of the season.
UPDATE: Price is scheduled for imaging and reevaluation Friday morning. Duke Nation waits, breath held.
