Wake Kicker Questionable for Saturday

Wake Forest place kicker and punter Sam Swank remains questionable for Saturday's game at Byrd Stadium because of a strained quadriceps in his right leg. Swank did not participate in the Demon Deacons' practice Monday. Here are all the details from the Winston-Salem Journal.

Swank, who could not play in last Thursday night's victory over Clemson, told the newspaper, "I think it's going to be another decision right before the game, to see what's going on and see how I'm feeling."

Normally, an injury involving a kicker wouldn't warrant significant attention, but anyone who has paid attention to ACC football over the past few seasons knows Swank's value to Wake Forest. That is particularly true this season, when Wake has struggled to move the ball consistently. Swank is the kind of weapon that can give you a good chance of getting points if you can get the ball to the opponents' 35-yard line.

Shane Popham replaced Swank on Thursday and made two field goals while missing two other attempts, though one was on a mishandled snap. Wake coaches have said they might continue to use Popham as a punter, even if Swank is able to place-kick, in an effort to share the burden.