Vanderbilt's Duncan out for year with injury

Vanderbilt's C.J. Duncan (19) runs back a kick against Mississippi in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Vanderbilt's C.J. Duncan (19) runs back a kick against Mississippi in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Vanderbilt's quest to bounce back this season in Southeastern Conference football has suffered a sizable setback.

Redshirt sophomore receiver C.J. Duncan, who had 28 catches for 441 yards and a team-high 15.8 yards per catch a year ago, is expected to miss the season with a lower leg injury. Coach Derek Mason, who struggled to a 3-9 debut season in 2014 after predecessor James Franklin posted consecutive 9-4 records, made the announcement Wednesday afternoon through a statement.

photo Vanderbilt running back C. J. Duncan watches the action in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game between Vanderbilt and Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

"I know C.J. is disappointed with the injury, and we share his disappointment," Mason said. "He's one of our most versatile and proven offensive performers, but even more than that, C.J. is very much a team-oriented player. As he recuperates, C.J. will be an encouraging and helpful presence to the receiving corps.

"We have several talented receivers on the roster with the ability to contribute more significantly to our offense. We expect them to step up to this challenge."

Duncan - a 5-foot-10, 190-pounder from Montgomery, Ala., who started nine games last season - suffered the injury in a special teams drill near the end of Tuesday's practice inside Vanderbilt Stadium.

The Commodores, whose season opener is Sept. 3 against Western Kentucky in Nashville, did not practice Wednesday. They are scheduled to practice twice today.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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