Caleb Foster injury updates: Will Duke star play in 2026 March Madness opener?

Duke lost a starting five of NBA players after last season's run to the Final Four and hasn't missed a beat, entering the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed.

While Cameron Boozer grabs the headlines with his dominant freshman campaign, coach Jon Scheyer relied on retention and development to fill out his roster. Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans, all reserves last season, are now starters and essential parts of what the Blue Devils do.

Injuries kept Foster and Ngongba out of the ACC Tournament, and Foster's health in particular is a major storyline entering March Madness.

Here's what you need to know about Duke's point guard and his status for the NCAA Tournament. 

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What is Caleb Foster's injury?

Foster suffered a fracture in his right foot and underwent surgery, Scheyer told reporters ahead of the ACC Tournament. The injury occurred in Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina.

The Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament without Foster and Ngongba, but two of their three games were a bit too close for comfort. Duke narrowly escaped scares from Florida State and Virginia, offering a warning about what could happen in the big dance without their point guard.

While Ngongba is expected back, Foster's status is much murkier. 

How long will Caleb Foster be out?

Scheyer said Foster is expected to remain out until at least the Final Four. Even if Duke advances to the Final Four, the chances of Foster returning are "very minimal," according to Field of 68's Jeff Goodman. Barring a surprise reversal, will not play in the opening four rounds.

While Duke has left the door open for a potential Foster return, Scheyer's message and all reporting indicate the Blue Devils have to figure out a way to survive without their point guard. The NCAA Tournament ends less than one month after Foster underwent surgery, so it's tough to expect him back on the court at 100 percent health before the season wraps up.

Freshman Cayden Boozer slid into a more featured role with the junior Foster out, so the Boozer twins are set to share the floor even more in the NCAA Tournament than they did in the regular season.

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Caleb Foster 2025-26 season stats

Foster saw his role diminish last season with the remarkable talent on Duke's roster, but he's stepped into the starting point guard role this season and seen his efficiency get back to where he wants it to be. The junior is shooting better than 40 percent from 3-point range, averaging 8.5 points per game with 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Foster is Duke's fourth-leading scorer, behind Boozer, Evans and Ngongba.