Good news, bad news in Duke’s first injury report

One Blue Devil could make his debut, while a stalwart of Duke’s secondary could miss Saturday’s game against Stanford. Duke’s first injury report was released Wednesday night, ahead of Saturday’s ACC opener. Wide receiver Javen Nicholas, a transfer from Charlotte who has missed the first two games, is listed as probable. Nicholas’ return could boost Duke’s passing attack. He had 60 catches for 740 yards and five touchdowns for the 49ers last season. Safety DaShawn Stone, who has nine tackles this season, is listed as questionable. Stone played 45 defensive snaps against Illinois (per Pro Football Focus) and never appeared to exit the game with an obvious injury. He’s played 91 snaps this season, fifth-most of Duke’s defense. Among the top eight players on Duke’s defense who took snaps last season, only Stone and Luke Mergott returned this year. Duke ruled out five players, none of whom is expected to play a large role this season. Cornerback Kimari Robinson is doubtful and has not played yet this season. Offensive lineman Micah Sahakian is questionable. On the Stanford side of things The Cardinal has ruled out 12 players for Saturday’s game. Offensive lineman Aidan Kilstrom started Stanford’s season opener at center and played 52 snaps against Hawaii, but he has been ruled out. He is the only player ruled out who has played significant snaps in the first two games. The intrigue is in three defensive players carrying the questionable label. Linebacker Jahsiah Galvin has started each of the first two games; safety Charlie Eckhardt has 86 snaps (PFF); and defensive end Gabe Kaminski played 26 snaps and graded out at 76.7 against Hawaii before missing the Week 1 game against Miami.