Saturday was a wild day for the Oregon Ducks, and with the day ending in a disappointing loss, it's going to be easy to forget a ton of the events before the game. Pre-game warmups were delayed due to lightning in the area, leading to a 90 minute delay before the Ducks took the field. When the game was finally set to kick off, Oregon fans were blitzed with the news that TE Jamari Johnson was out for the game with a "Undisclosed injury".
Considering that Jamari Johsnon finished the Boise State game for the Ducks’ the news was truly a shock, especially considering that the ESPN broadcast were the ones to break the news to everyone. The shocking nature of Jamari Johnson being ruled out, and the lack of a clear injury lead to a ton of speculation about his injury.
Dan Lanning ends speculation of Jamari Johnson suspension with injury news
Instantly fans started to question whether Johnson was dealing with an injury or if he had been suspended by the team. Thankfully, after the game, Dan Lanning disclosed details about what Johnson’s been dealing with, but even that news comes with an uncertain future.
"Jamari [Johnson] really got banged up in the last game, he hadn't been able to go this week in practice. Jamari, we should get back, I don't know if it will be this week or next."Dan Lanning
While Oregon should have no problem beating Portland State next week if Johnson misses the game, the Ducks really need their superstar tight end back in the fold for the game against USC. Every game the rest of the way will have the Ducks walking a tightrope as another loss could make making the Playoffs impossible.
Dante Moore certainly looked like a quarterback who missed having his safety blanket as he went 5 for 15 in the first half, and never really found a rhythm as a passer. Last weekend, when the Oregon offense was struggling early Johnson along with Jeremiah McClellan helped Dante Moore find a rhythm.
The tight ends that replaced Jamari Johnson didn't exactly give Dante Moore a receiving threat to help with his struggles. Andrew Olesh was the only tight end to get his name on the stat sheet with just 1 catch for 9 yards. Freshman Kendre' Harrison and transfer Markus Dixon combined for 7 snaps, but failed to record a stat.
The exact injury that Jamari Johnson is dealing with is still unknown as Dan Lanning didn't dive any further into details. No one on the outside will likely know what the injury is until Big Ten play either as the Ducks' aren't required to release an injury report until league play.
Sitting Jamari Johnson for the Portland State game makes the most sense as if the Ducks can't win without him they have much bigger issues. Getting Johnson as close to 100% for league play is the top priority as Big Ten play could decide the Ducks' fate this season.
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