Ducks get encouraging injury news ahead of Penn State clash, NFL scouts descend

The Oregon Duck is lifted up by cheerleaders on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, after the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Oregon Ducks defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 45-37.
The Oregon Duck is lifted up by cheerleaders on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, after the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Oregon Ducks defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions, 45-37. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wide receiver Kyler Kasper is out today, the Ducks' tallest wideout, but No. 1 running back Noah Whittington and receiver Justius Lowe are back from injury. Evan Stewart and Trey McNutt remain out. Dillon Gresham is still out. Dylan Williams is back at linebacker after missing the first four games.

At least 17 NFL scouts and GMs are in attendance. Oregonian reporter James Crepea posted a list:

Buccaneers
Raiders
Giants
Chargers
Ravens
Jaguars
Buffalo Bills
Jets
Cardinals
Vikings
Seahawks
Panthers
Bears
Commanders
Browns
49ers
Steelers

Around the Big Ten, Illinois held off USC with a 41-yard field goal at the end of the game, 34-32. Minnesota edged Rutgers 31-28. Indiana and Iowa are tied at Kinnick Stadium at the start of the fourth quarter, 10-10. Ohio State is in command in Seattle 17-6. With 8:44 to go in the fourth quarter they've sacked Demond Williams five times.

Nationally, No. 4 LSU trails at Ole Miss, 17-7 in the fourth quarter. If the Ducks win tonight, they'll move past two.

Today is running back Dierre Hill's birthday. Oregon's running backs are warming up, and Makhi Hughes is not with them.

Ohio State just scored to take a 24-6 lead with just under five minutes to play.

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