Oregon quarterback Dante Moore made his first public statement since his frightening head injury, stating he has "made progress" since leaving the Southern California game with a reported concussion.
"To my team, the community, and to the world, thank you. These past two days have been very difficult, but through all of your prayers I have made progress," Moore said in an Instagram post on Monday, Sept. 28. "I can only worry about today, and making sure I give today its full attention. I’ll be back soon."
It's another positive update for Moore since the brutal hit to the head he took from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II in Oregon's 41-27 win over the Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 26. The quarterback immediately went into the fencing position, a sign
of a serious concussion, and was taken out of the stadium via ambulance and to a hospital near Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Ducks coach Dan Lanning called the play "disgusting."
While the hit looked severe, Lanning said the following day Moore suffered a concussion but "did not suffer any additional injuries."
"Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future," he said in a statement.
When could Dante Moore return?
The positive updates make it very likely Moore will be able to return to the field in a Ducks uniform, but it's unknown when that could happen. Of course, he will have to clear concussion protocols in order to play again, and there is no definitive timeline for that.
Yet, there is a chance he could play in Oregon's next game. Oregon is on a bye in Week 5, and will not play on Oct. 3. Instead, the Ducks will take the field again against UCLA on Oct. 10, giving the team nearly two weeks to see if Moore will be able to suit up.
Dylan Raiola came in at quarterback for Moore and stepped up mightily for the Ducks, throwing for 289 passing yards and two touchdowns in a critical win for the team's playoff hopes.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dante Moore makes first statement since injury: 'I’ll be back soon'
