Oregon’s Receiving Corps Trending Up Ahead of College Football Playoff Clash with James Madison
There’s a bit of buzz in Eugene this week - and not just because the Ducks are prepping for their first College Football Playoff appearance since the format expanded. The wide receiver room, which has been running thin for weeks, is finally starting to show signs of life at just the right time.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning didn’t offer any concrete injury updates Monday morning, but he did offer a dose of optimism. Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr., and Evan Stewart were all spotted on the field at Autzen Stadium during practice - a welcome sight for a team that’s had to get creative with a depleted receiver group.
“Everybody’s closer than they were yesterday,” Lanning said. “It’s good seeing guys out there.”
Let’s break that down. Moore, who’s been sidelined for the past four games with a knee injury, has been one of Oregon’s most dynamic threats this season. He’s posted 28 catches for 443 yards and three touchdowns, and his ability to stretch the field has been sorely missed.
Bryant, who injured his ankle at Iowa and hasn’t played since, brings a different kind of versatility. In addition to his 25 catches for 299 yards and four touchdowns, he’s also handled punt return duties, logging 13 returns for 99 yards. Both Moore and Bryant were seen fielding punts during Monday’s session - a sign they’re at least trending in the right direction.
As for Stewart, the highly touted receiver who’s been out all season, he was present but limited. He didn’t take any reps during the early open portion of practice, and his status remains unclear.
Quarterback Dante Moore, who’s had to make it work with a thinned-out receiver group over the last month, knows just how valuable it would be to get his full arsenal back.
“If we were to have all our weapons back and everybody being ready for this game, next game or whatever it is, it would be for sure a great feeling,” Moore said. “We’d love to have the clip fully loaded.”
And who could blame him? Oregon has been down to just four healthy scholarship receivers over the last three games - and only three were available at one point against USC.
Despite the depth issues, the Ducks have found ways to keep the offense humming. But with James Madison’s top-10 defense coming to town, reinforcements couldn’t come at a better time.
Offensive coordinator Will Stein echoed that sentiment, noting that the group’s preparation and progress this week has been encouraging.
“I think those guys are working back and feel good about their prep up to this point to give us an opportunity to potentially see them in this next game,” Stein said. “I’d love to have everybody back; being full strength going into this game against James Madison would be very good for us.”
The stakes are high. Oregon, sitting at 11-1, is hosting a 12-1 James Madison squad that’s been one of the season’s best stories.
And while the Ducks are favored, the margin for error in December football is razor-thin - especially with a potential Orange Bowl matchup against No. 4 Texas Tech on the horizon.
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
📍 Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
📆 When: Saturday, Dec.
20
⏰ Time: 4:30 p.m.
PT
📺 TV: TNT / HBO Max
Whether Oregon gets one or all of its missing receivers back remains to be seen. But even the possibility of a healthier unit gives this high-powered offense a little extra juice heading into the postseason.
And if the Ducks can get back to full strength? Watch out.