If Oregon is going to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff, it looks like they’ll be doing it without one of their most dynamic weapons - at least for the opening round.
Wide receiver Evan Stewart, who’s been sidelined all season with a torn meniscus in his right knee, has been listed as doubtful for Saturday’s matchup against No. 12 seed James Madison. That status lines up with what we saw earlier in the week - Stewart was on the field during the open portion of Monday’s practice, but clearly limited. Given how long he’s been out and the nature of the injury, it’s a tough ask to expect him back at full speed for a playoff opener.
The Ducks aren’t just monitoring Stewart, though. They’re dealing with a handful of key injury questions heading into this one.
Receivers Dakorien Moore (knee) and Gary Bryant Jr. (ankle) are both questionable for the third straight day. That’s significant, especially with Stewart likely out.
Moore is a big-play threat when healthy, and Bryant brings veteran savvy and speed to the slot. Their availability could shift how Oregon approaches its offensive game plan.
On the defensive side, Oregon’s secondary could be shorthanded as well. Cornerback Sione Laulea and safety Trey McNutt (leg) are both listed as questionable.
That’s a concern against a James Madison team that’s shown it can move the ball through the air. However, there’s some optimism there - Laulea hinted at a return on social media, and Moore posted “back” on Thursday, suggesting he may be trending in the right direction too.
Here’s what we know heading into Saturday:
College Football Playoff - First Round
**No.
12 James Madison (12-1) at No. 5 Oregon (11-1)**
🗓 Date: Saturday, Dec. 20
🕟 Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
📍 Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
📺 TV: TNT / HBO Max
💻 Streaming: Available via DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (day pass for $4.99). Note: Access may vary by region, particularly outside the Pacific Northwest.
This game has all the makings of a classic playoff clash - a high-powered Oregon squad with championship aspirations facing a James Madison team that’s been one of the best stories in college football this season. But for Oregon, the injury report looms large. The Ducks have the depth to weather these absences, but if Stewart, Moore, and Bryant are all out or limited, it could put more pressure on Oregon’s run game and young receivers to step up in a high-stakes setting.
We’ll know more as kickoff approaches, but for now, all eyes are on the Ducks’ sideline - and the trainer’s room - as Oregon looks to punch its ticket to the CFP semifinals.