INJURY BOOST: Two Key Stars Return For Oregon Ducks Vs Michigan.
The top-ranked Oregon Ducks will travel to Ann Arbor this Saturday to take on the Michigan Wolverines in a crucial game. Oregon is working hard to maintain its leading position, and the comeback of Terrance Ferguson and Jordan Burch could be a crucial help.
EUGENE- The Oregon Ducks have arrived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a game against the Michigan Wolverines. The Ducks, ranked as the top team in the country, are looking to maintain their position by facing off against an unranked Michigan team on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Two of the top players in Oregon might be coming back to play against Michigan. Terrance Ferguson and Jordan Burch were both practicing with the Ducks this week, despite Ferguson having recently undergone an appendix surgery.
“Oregon coach Dan Lanning mentioned on Monday that both of those individuals were present for practice today.” “We will prioritize the well-being of our players as we get ready for the upcoming week.”
Burch has sat out three games since being injured in practice before Oregon’s game against Ohio State on Oct. 12. During the injury, Burch was the top Duck in tackles for loss (7) and sacks (5).
Ferguson has been absent from two games after his appendix surgery only two weeks ago. The top tight end has caught 20 passes for a total of 321 yards so far this season.
“It’s challenging. Oregon Quarterback Dillon Gabriel expressed his sympathy for him, as he loves him and admires the effort he puts in. The next day, my fiancee prepared some chicken noodle soup for us and we took it to him, showing him care and affection.
While it remains uncertain whether Ferguson or Burch will play against Michigan, it is expected that several other players will be unavailable for the game. An injury to his left knee has kept Oregon offensive lineman Mathew Bedford out for the majority of the season. Bedford was expected to start this season but has not had the chance yet. The timing of Bedford’s return is uncertain.
Gary Bryant Jr., who started 12 games for the Ducks last season as a wide receiver, has not played in a game yet this season. He participated in his first practice in more than a month before Oregon’s match with Purdue but was declared unavailable for the Illinois game.
Freshman defensive back Dakoda Fields has been sidelined since late August because of a knee injury, and there is no set date for his return. Jahlil Florence, who started nine games last season, is currently battling a knee injury incurred in November 2023. Despite being ruled out for all games this season, he has been taking part in practice in the past few weeks.
My’Keil Gardner, a redshirt freshman expected to contribute to Oregon’s defensive line, is also sidelined indefinitely due to an unspecified injury.
Lanning expressed eagerness to have him return, but warned that the process will not be quick before the season opener against Idaho.
Redshirt sophomore defensive back Zach Grisham will probably not play in the Michigan game, as he hasn’t played since the Ducks’ game against Boise State. Offensive lineman Dave Iuli is recovering from injury and may have the opportunity to play against Michigan. The experienced reserve guard was labeled as uncertain instead of unavailable for the game against Illinois, but he did not participate.
Oregon’s sophomore receiver, Kyler Kasper, has been absent from the team’s last four games due to injury and seems to be sidelined for a significant length of time.
At the moment, I am unsure of the timeline. Lanning said it could be difficult to see him return this year, but she won’t limit his ability to come back.
In conclusion, it’s important to keep an eye on junior defensive back Khamari Terrell, who was previously ruled out for the Illinois game, as another Oregon player to watch before Saturday.