Duke big man Marshall Plumlee out 6-8 weeks with stress fracture

Duke redshirt freshman Marshall Plumlee will miss 6-8 weeks with a stress fracture in his left foot, a Duke source confirmed to CBSSports.com.

The news was first reported on ESPNU during Duke's practice at Fort Bragg on Monday.

It doesn't sound like huge news, but it's certainly a significant setback for the youngest of the Plumlee brothers -- and a guy who was slated to get playing time up front for the Blue Devils after redshirting last season.

The 7-foot Plumlee isn't as skilled as his middle brother and current teammate, Mason. He's also not quite as talented as the oldest, Miles, who was taken in the first round of this past June's NBA draft by Indiana.

But Marshall could help the Blue Devils with his high motor, as well as his ability to rebound and block shots.

Was he worthy of McDonald's All-American status? Probably not, but he's still a 7-footer who brings it every possession. It would be difficult to imagine him making a significant impact if he misses a month of practice and then the non-conference schedule.

Duke doesn't really have another true center on the roster Mason Plumlee can certainly play the position, but he's more comfortable at power forward. And Ryan Kelly is a pick-and-pop forward.