Heading into the bye week, the Oregon Ducks have a chance to regroup and get healthy before welcoming the UCLA Bruins into Autzen Stadium. Dan Lanning has been missing key players from the lineup, but the week off could be a time to get everyone healthy enough for a string of important conference games.
The obvious concern surrounds quarterback Dante Moore, who left the game against USC in an ambulance with a serious concussion. Moore expressed optimism that he will return soon in a recent Instagram post, but a statement from Lanning said the Ducks will use "an abundance of caution" with the star quarterback, not only in hopes of being careful with his health and the team, but to protect his NFL future as well.
On Wednesday, Lanning shared another
update on Moore, who returned to Eugene after spending time at a hospital in Los Angeles.
"Still going through the process there with him," Lanning said. "So it's great to know that he's healthy and doing well, but you still continue to evaluate there."
There is no clear timetable for Moore's return, but Dylan Raiola will likely make his first Oregon start after the bye week, when UCLA comes to town. Raiola has played the past two weeks and looked great, tossing five touchdowns and completing 83.3% of his passes against both Portland State and USC.
Lanning noted that UAB transfer wideout Iverson Hooks is indeed healthy, despite not appearing in the game against USC. He is still working to learn and develop within the scheme, but he is available.
Freshman wideout Jalen Lott has also been sidelined so far this season after having a minor surgery on his hand just before the start of the season. Oregon has already seen freshman Messiah Hampton step up in the passing game with Jeremiah McClellan nursing a foot injury, but with Lott returning to practice and ready to play, there could be more opportunities for him after the bye.
"Definitely, he's getting a lot closer," Lanning said. "Obviously, if he's able to take those steps (working out pregame)."
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dan Lanning offers updates on QB Dante Moore, WR Jalen Lott
