Duke, Sirk opened 2016 practice Monday

DURHAM - Coming off a thrilling 2015 Pinstripe Bowl victory, Head Coach David Cutcliffe and the Duke Blue Devils kicked off the 2016 preseason on Monday evening.

QB Thomas Sirk was able to participate in the opening practice session despite suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this year. Sirk headlines just 10 returning starters for the Blue Devils, who will open their 2016 campaign in the newly-renovated Wallace Wade Stadium on September 3.

Monday's practice was the first official work for a number of new Blue Devils, including highly touted recruits WR Scott Bracey and S Dylan Singleton.

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Coach Cutcliffe remarked on his quarterback's remarkable recovery, his team's maturity, and other highlights after practice. Duke will practice in pads for the first time on Saturday.