Oregon got a welcome sign from its quarterback room on Monday, and it came at a perfect time.
Dante Moore was back on the practice field for the No. 13 Ducks as they prepare to face No.
21 UCLA in Eugene on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+ Premium.
Coach Dan Lanning said Moore, who has been in concussion protocol since the hit he took from USC in Week 4, took part in practice wearing shoulder pads and a helmet.
“Dante was out there at practice for us today,” Lanning said. “Similar to what we said before, we're gonna do what's best for Dante moving forward. ... It was great to see him back out there with his teammates getting to work today.”
Lanning said the Big Ten availability report will be the best place to track Moore’s status as the week goes on. The first report comes Wednesday night, and that should provide a clearer read on where things stand.
Moore was stretchered off the field against USC after a high hit from Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II, who was suspended because of the play. Last weekend, Lanning told the “Big Noon Kickoff” crew that Oregon was taking an “abundance of caution” with the quarterback. He also said there was no set timetable for Moore’s return, since the Ducks did not want to rush him back.
If Moore can’t go against the Bruins, Dylan Raiola would make his first start for Oregon. Raiola already showed what he can do in relief against USC, completing 76% of his passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
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