While the team hasn't played up to the standard that was set before the season, injuries are starting to become the story that will define what started as an incredibly promising season for the Ducks. Dante Moore's injury is obviously the one that hurts the most, as the offense looked abysmal in the first game he didn't start this season.
Adding on to the issues for the Ducks have been the injuries to key starters that have forced the staff to dig deeper into the depth chart. Starting offensive lineman Trent Ferguson was lost for the season after the Oklahoma State game, and Jeremiah McClellan suffered a broken foot in warmups for the Portland State game.
As the offense needs all the help possible as the Ducks try to weather the storm with Dante Moore out, the unit continues to suffer setbacks.
Evan Stewart downgraded on injury report ahead of Nebraska game
On Wednesday night, when the first injury report of the week was made available, Oregon was given concerning news as Evan Stewart appeared as questionable for Saturday Night's game. Making matters worse is the fact that on Thursday Night, Oregon downgraded Stewart to doubtful, meaning he'll likely miss this weekend's game.
Oregon star WR Evan Stewart downgraded to doubtful. Another tough blow for the Ducks. pic.twitter.com/obwG6ZUYiR
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 16, 2026
The offense losing Evan Stewart is another significant blow as the wide receiver room may be without its elder statesman. Stewart hasn't had the best season coming back from injury, but he showed on Saturday vs. UCLA why he's so valuable, breaking free for a 44 yard touchdown when the offense needed momentum the most.
If Evan Stewart does indeed miss the Nebraska game, the offense is going to be digging deep into the depth chart to try to replace his reps. The receiver that every fan would love to see is true freshman 5-star Jalen Lott, who made his season debut vs. the Bruins after recovering from offseason surgery. Lott earning the role would mean the Ducks would be leaning on a pair of freshmen as Messiah Hampton has stepped up with Jeremiah McClellan sidelined.
The Ducks should attempt to see if they can get anything out of UAB transfer Iverson Hooks who hasn't made the impact everyone expected when the Ducks picked him up this offseason. Hooks nearly went for 1,000 yards last season, and he could bring the ability after the catch to help the Ducks move the chains regardless of who's at quarterback.
The way Oregon could get the most talent on the field at a time is by running out multiple tight end sets, which could also help open things up in the run game. Both Kendre Harrison and Andrew Olesh have flashed behind Jamari Johnson, and can add a ton to the offense while forcing Nebraska to defend the Ducks differently.
Friday Night will see the release of the final injury report of the week, and Oregon fans will be hoping to get positive news on the Stewart front, but that doesn't appear to be likely with the way this has trended.
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