The Oregon Ducks are coming off the bye week and launching into game week as the Ducks prepare for a top 25 clash against the UCLA Bruins. Coming off an emotional win over USC, Oregon now has a chance to add another resume building win and prove that the early season loss to Oklahoma State is behind this group.
After a big win like the USC win, you would typically feel great about where the Ducks are at, but coming into the week, there's a major question lingering over the team. The last time we saw Dante Moore, he was being taken to the hospital, and while the team released a statement revealing he didn't suffer additional injuries to the concussion, it's hard to imagine he's back this week.
Dan Lanning points to the future regarding Dante Moore's health
With the game week beginning, Dan Lanning will likely give more insight into Dante Moore's status, especially with eligibility reports coming up. While Lanning may reveal more during the week, he appeared on George Wrighster's podcast on Friday, where he talked a bit about the process for Moore.
When asked how Dante Moore is doing, Dan Lanning shared a positive update on the Ducks' star while still leaving his status up in the air.
"Yeah, in the process, you know, still in recovery. Like I said, we're going to move with an abundance of caution, make sure we're following protocol, but just glad to know that he's going to be okay."Dan Lanning
George Wrightster then asked Dan Lanning about balancing the importance of the now for Dante Moore and Oregon with how important his future is, which Lanning gave a great insight into.
"You know, I'm always going to pick the player in that scenario. When you talk about health, I'm always going to pick the player over the team. I mean, the best thing for the team is for them to see how, were going to treat players in that situation. So, we love him, he's our team, he'll be alright, but we're not going to rush anything or put him in a situation where it's not, you know, following protocol or safe for his future."Dan Lanning
Concussions aren't to be played around with, and Oregon, along with Dante Moore's team, is always going to protect his long-term health. Rushing Moore back isn't in anyone's best interest, and if he's not fully ready, Oregon won't throw him back on the field just because it may help the team's chances of winning.
Based on the way Dan Lanning talked about Dante Moore's recovery and the typical timeline for recovery for a concussion, it appears that the Ducks may be rolling with Dylan Raiola for the UCLA game. Part of Moore being in the protocol is the fact that Oregon had an extra week to prepare for this game, and even if he's cleared later in the week, it's easier to install the game plan with Raiola practicing.
Giving Dante Moore another week to recover is in everyone's best interest, as his career is much bigger than one game, and this season is much bigger than this game. Dylan Raiola has proved that he can lead this team to a win, and while UCLA is far from an easy opponent, Oregon should still have the talent advantage.
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