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WINSTON-SALEM - Three weeks later after sustaining a quadriceps injury in practice, Wake Forest kicker Sam Swank is still uncertain of a return date. The senior, whose personal quest for the ACC's career scoring record has taken a hit, didn't practice Monday and hasn't seen signs of great progress lately, coach Jim Grobe said today.

Redshirt freshman Shane Popham, 3-of-8 so far, is still considered the probable starter for Saturday's home game against Duke.

"For a kicker, a game is typically not physical, but mentally, you have to be a tough guy," Grobe said. "I'm sure (Popham) never dreamed he'd be kicking the ball as a freshman. Now it has been thrown in his lap, and he may be our kicker for the rest of the year."

Swank is tied for fourth in league history with 326 points and is now unlikely to catch former Maryland Terrapin Nick Novak, author of 393 points from 2001-04. But more important for the Deacs is the limitation that Swank's injury has placed on the offense.

In last week's 16-10 loss at Miami, Wake punted rather than attempt a 50-yard field goal in the first half. Swank is 9-of-12 from 50 yards and longer during his career. Combine that with Popham's 40-yard miss and you may have the difference in a tight game.

Grobe said tailbacks Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass, both of whom were banged up at Miami, should be healthy and ready to go for Duke.

Contact Rob Daniels at 373-7028 or rob.daniels@news-record.com