Duke G Caleb Foster has 'outside chance' to play in Sweet 16

Blue Devils star working to return from foot injury in time for regional semifinal

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Duke guard Caleb Foster is working toward a return during the Sweet 16 with the No. 1 seed Blue Devils and No. 5 St. John's scheduled to tip off Friday in Washington, D.C., in an East Region semifinal, just under three weeks removed from a foot injury. Foster fractured his foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina in Durham, N.C., and missed the ACC tournament and first two NCAA Tournament games for the Blue Devils (34-2).

Why it matters

Foster's potential return would be a major boost for Duke as they look to advance to the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils are the top overall seed in the tournament and are favored to win the national championship, but they've struggled without their starting point guard.

The details

Head coach Jon Scheyer said he's not ruling out Foster for Friday or, if Duke wins to advance to the Elite Eight, Sunday's regional final against No. 2 UConn or No. 3 Michigan State. Foster shot 40.2% from 3-point range this season and averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.

  • Foster fractured his foot in the regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 4, 2026.
  • The Sweet 16 game between Duke and St. John's is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Caleb Foster

A starting guard for the Duke Blue Devils who is working to return from a foot injury in time for the Sweet 16.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When he first got hurt, I felt there was more like one in a million. ... Since that, since he got hurt, the way he's worked, the chances have continued to increase. I even think there's an outside chance maybe for this Friday.”

— Jon Scheyer, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.