Duke TE Deaver out for season with torn ACL

Published Aug. 18, 2014 3:43 p.m. ET

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DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke says tight end Braxton Deaver will miss the season after tearing a knee ligament.

Team officials said Deaver injured his right anterior cruciate ligament Monday.

Coach David Cutcliffe says the Blue Devils will ''miss his presence on the field'' but that ''the priorities with Braxton right now shift to his health and spirit.''

Deaver was one of the top targets for quarterback Anthony Boone. The redshirt senior was the returning starter at tight end and caught 46 passes for 600 yards with four touchdowns last season.

Deaver is the second key player from the defending Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division champions who has been lost for the season with a torn ACL.

Senior linebacker Kelby Brown tore his left ACL during a scrimmage last week.