Evan Stewart Absent Again as Oregon Preps for CFP Semifinal, Key Injuries Still in Focus
MIAMI - As Oregon gears up for its College Football Playoff semifinal, the Ducks were missing a key name during Tuesday’s open practice session in Miami: wide receiver Evan Stewart.
The junior wideout, who transferred in with big expectations, was not seen during the 15-minute media viewing window at Barry University. It’s the latest in a string of absences for Stewart, who was also not present at Saturday’s open practice in Eugene and was officially listed as “out” on the team’s availability report released Monday night.
This isn’t the first time Stewart’s status has raised eyebrows. He was suited up for warmups ahead of Oregon’s first-round win over James Madison but was later ruled doubtful and didn’t dress for the game. Now, with no sign of him in Miami and no change in his availability, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Stewart won’t make his Oregon debut this season.
That’s a tough blow for a Ducks offense that had penciled him in as the go-to guy for 2026. Stewart led all returning Oregon receivers with 48 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns last season - production that made him a clear-cut candidate to be the focal point of the passing game moving forward. Without him, Oregon has had to lean more heavily on its depth and younger talent to fill the void.
While Stewart’s absence continues to be a storyline, there was some encouraging news on the injury front. Freshman defensive back Trey McNutt was back in uniform and participating in stretches and drills during the portion of practice open to media. That’s a positive sign for a secondary that’s already had to navigate some key injuries.
Running back Jordon Davison and defensive back Theran Johnson - both of whom exited the James Madison game with injuries - were also on the field and active during drills. Their presence suggests Oregon may be getting healthier at just the right time, especially with a physical semifinal matchup looming.
Quarterback Austin Novosad was also present at practice, despite recent reports that he’s considering entering the transfer portal. While his future with the program remains uncertain, his participation shows he’s still locked in with the team - at least for now.
With the CFP semifinal just days away, Oregon’s depth is being tested. Stewart’s continued absence is a setback, no doubt, but the Ducks’ ability to get key contributors like McNutt, Davison, and Johnson back on the field could prove critical in their postseason push.