As Oregon gears up for its College Football Playoff clash with James Madison, the Ducks may be getting a significant boost on offense - and not a moment too soon.
Three key receivers - Dakorien Moore (knee), Gary Bryant Jr. (ankle), and Evan Stewart (right knee) - are officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game at Autzen Stadium. But there’s reason for optimism in Eugene.
All three were spotted at practice on Monday, with Moore and Bryant even taking reps on punt return duties. That’s not something you do if you’re just testing the waters.
It doesn’t guarantee they’ll suit up, but it’s a strong indicator they’re trending in the right direction.
Getting any of those weapons back would be huge for Oregon’s offense, which has leaned on its depth all season but would certainly benefit from the return of explosive playmakers as it faces a tough James Madison defense.
The Ducks are also monitoring the status of cornerback Sione Laulea. He’s been out for several weeks and was questionable ahead of the Washington game but didn’t play.
Like the receivers, Laulea was back on the practice field Monday and remains listed as questionable. His return would be timely against a JMU offense that’s shown it can stretch the field when needed.
Safety Trey McNutt, who’s been sidelined all season with a leg injury, is also listed as questionable. While it’s unclear how much of a role he could play if cleared, just having another body in the secondary could be valuable as Oregon prepares for the physicality and tempo of the Dukes’ offense.
On the flip side, the Ducks will be without several contributors. Running back Da’Jaun Riggs (foot) is officially out, as are receivers Kyler Kasper (left foot, out for season), Justius Lowe, and offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson (unspecified). Lowe’s absence is a new development - he’s appeared in nine games this season and has been a steady rotational piece in the receiving corps.
There are also a few names who remain out but weren’t listed on this week’s availability report, including receivers Dillon Gresham (neck) and Jack Ressler (unspecified), and offensive lineman Bryce Boulton, who’s been ruled out for the season. That trio hasn’t suited up all year and won’t be available Saturday either.
Interestingly, running back Jayden Limar - who was questionable but didn’t play in the Pac-12 title game against Washington - isn’t listed at all this week. That could suggest he’s good to go, but the Ducks haven’t confirmed anything yet.
On the other sideline, James Madison looks like it’ll be getting a key piece back as well. Defensive lineman Immanuel Bush, who missed the Sun Belt Championship, is listed as probable. Head coach Bob Chesney said earlier in the week that Bush was expected to play, and that’s a big development for a JMU front that thrives on disruption.
This is a matchup between two teams with double-digit wins and plenty of firepower, but health could be a deciding factor. For Oregon, the potential return of Moore, Bryant, Stewart, and Laulea could be the difference between a good day and a great one. For James Madison, getting Bush back in the trenches gives the Dukes a better shot at containing Oregon’s high-octane offense.
**No. 12 James Madison (12-1) at No.
5 Oregon (11-1)**
📅 When: Saturday, Dec.
20
🕟 Time: 4:30 p.m.
PT
📍 Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
📺 TV: TNT / HBO Max
📱 Streaming: Available on DIRECTV (free trial), Fubo (free trial), and Sling (Sling Day Pass for $4.99).
Local streaming access may vary depending on your location in the Pacific Northwest.
With a playoff spot on the line and both teams looking to get key players back in the fold, Saturday’s showdown at Autzen is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the postseason.