As the Oregon Ducks gear up for their first-round showdown in the College Football Playoff against James Madison, Thursday’s player availability report offered more of the same - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
No surprises here. The Ducks’ latest update mirrors what we saw Wednesday night, with no changes to the status of any key contributors.
That means wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr., and Evan Stewart remain questionable heading into the weekend. While that designation doesn’t guarantee anything, it does leave the door open for their potential return - and given their playmaking ability, that’s a storyline worth watching closely.
All three receivers bring something different to the table. Moore is the electric freshman with game-breaking speed, Bryant Jr. is a savvy veteran with reliable hands and route-running polish, and Stewart is the explosive transfer who can stretch the field. If even one of them suits up, it could give Oregon’s offense a significant boost against a James Madison defense that’s been solid all year.
Elsewhere, the Ducks continue to list defensive back Sione Laulea and freshman safety Trey McNutt as questionable. Both have shown flashes this season, and their availability could factor into how Oregon matches up against a James Madison offense that’s been more than capable of pushing the ball downfield.
As for the players listed as out - Gernorris Wilson, Da’Jaun Riggs, Kyler Kasper, Justius Lowe, and Solomon Davis - there’s no change there either. Lowe and Davis have already announced plans to enter the transfer portal once it opens in January, so their absence from the upcoming playoff game is expected and understandable. Oregon’s depth will be tested, but this is a team that’s built to withstand some attrition.
The Ducks will release another availability report Friday at 5 p.m. PT, followed by a final update Saturday at 3 p.m.
PT. Until then, all eyes will be on the questionable trio at wide receiver - and whether Oregon will have its full arsenal ready to go for the biggest game of the season.