Defensive backs Juwan Dowels and Antwan Cordy lay in the west end zone of the Carrier Dome. After two separate plays, both players were helped off the field and did not return in the game.

“We’re taking a lot of hits in the secondary,” Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said. “Hopefully we’ll have somebody else step up or we’ll have to move somebody else over that’s not playing the position right now.”

Syracuse (1-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) is left thin at the defensive back spot after its 62-28 loss to No. 13 Louisville (2-0, 1-0). Wayne Morgan was ruled out prior to the game — he didn’t play in the first game. Neither Rodney Williams nor Devon Clarke played in the first game either. Williams, who was hurt much of training camp, did play on Friday.

Babers didn’t address Dowels injury and said he’s not sure of Cordy’s condition. He heard there was some swelling on his arm.

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MORE COVERAGE:

• Syracuse suffered its first loss in the Dino Babers’ era
• Fans react to the Orange’s performance
• Graphical breakdown: How did SU do against Louisville

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Dowels went down in the first quarter on Louisville’s second touchdown. He crumpled to the ground after a little contact from a blocker and grabbed his knee. After the play was over he dragged himself a few yards in the turf with his arms.

Dowels was carried off the field and later into the locker room. He had just won the starting spot at cornerback prior to the game.

Cordy was hurt on Louisville’s seventh touchdown of the day. There was a pile in the middle of the field and he emerged behind the play holding his left arm. Trainers came onto the field and Cordy headed right to the tunnel.

Safety Kielan Whitner said he didn’t see what happened on either of the plays, nor did he see either player in the locker room after the game.

“Those two guys are fighters and I’m sure they’ll be back with us,” he added.

Daivon Ellison and Williams played safety in Cordy’s spot — they had entered the game earlier at those spots, too. Cordell Hudson replaced Dowels with Carl Jones also seeing snaps.

Dowels finished with one tackle. Cordy had four tackles and a fumble recovery before he went out.

Published on September 10, 2016 at 1:43 am

Contact Jon: jrmettus@syr.edu | @jmettus