Oregon Football was again bitten by the injury bug this season, this time along the Offensive Line.
The Oregon Offensive Line has been among the most consistent in College Football this season. The team was tested last weekend when Freshman Penei Sewell went down with an injury. He did return, but at the end of the game, he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. He will be out for the next six weeks as he recovers.
While the Oregon Defense has taken a step forward from last season, the Oregon Offensive Line has also made significant progress. Three of the front line starters have worked together for the last 31 straight games including Calvin Throckmorton and Jason Hanson.
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What makes them even more impressive is that Sewell as a Freshman has started six straight games to open the season for the Oregon Ducks and has looked as impressive as if he has been there all along.
According to 247Sports, Sewell came in as the 6th highest ranked Offensive tackle in the Country. With less than two months left in the season, the injury/gray shirt rule will not apply since he has played and Started in half of the team’s respective games this season.
Sewell could be eligible to return earlier depending on how long he heals up. High ankle sprains can take time and you don’t want to run the risk of re-injury to push him to come back sooner. I expect Penei Sewell could return for the Oregon Bowl game.
With Sewell sidelined, Brady Aiello will step in and fill the role. He has been working with the Starters this week in practice and should be ready to go against Washington State. Aiello was a key player on the Ducks final drive last weekend in an overtime win vs Washington 30-27.
Oregon and Washington State kickoff Saturday at 4:30pm Pacific Time on FOX.