DURHAM, N.C. — Duke running back Re'quan Boyette is out for the season with a knee injury.

Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe said Wednesday that Boyette will redshirt because he has yet to fully heal from knee surgery.

The senior co-captain was projected to be Duke's starting tailback after leading the team in rushing during the previous two seasons.

He hurt his left knee during a preseason scrimmage, had surgery Aug. 9 and hasn't played a down this season.

After sitting out this season, he plans to return for his final year in 2009. He has 1,072 career yards rushing on 251 carries.