Oregon Football: How They Can Overcome Key Injuries

“We don’t talk about it, ever. We’re going next man in, if we have to go to next man in. That’s how we’ve been, I think it’s helped us as team, and we’ll always continue to do that.”

Sept 24, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks safety John Boyett (20) attempts to gain control of a pass intended for Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Gino Crump (not pictured) in the first quarter of a game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE

That was Chip Kelly’s response to the injuries in his teleconference a couple days ago. Both John Boyett and Carson York have announced that they will undergo season-ending surgery on their knees.

Both Boyett and York and leaders on the team. Regardless of Kelly downplaying the injuries, they will be significant in leadership more than anything else on both sides of the ball. Both players have been battling their injuries going into the season.

York’s was known publicly, while Boyett’s was relatively quiet. York sustained a final blow in the win over Fresno State, while Boyett was out for the game.

It gets worse. The biggest returner at wide receiver, Josh Huff, didn’t face a serious injury during the game against the Bulldogs, but is questionable for this week.

With three leaders in three different positions, it’s absolutely key for Oregon to use this week’s game as a way to find out what they have at depth in these positions.

While not trying to dismiss Tennessee Tech, the FCS program does not have the talent to compete with Oregon (you’ll see how as the week progresses). Kelly has the flexibility to go deep into his depth chart to find out what players he has that wants to step up and fill in the holes.

This would also give more of the starters at other positions potential rest and avoid more injuries, assuming that Oregon takes care of business as they have in the first half of the previous two games.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo. See his banter with other FanSided writers and love for his favorite west coast professional teams by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Lacrosse the Web.