Oregon injury report shows Ducks hit hard at one position

Oregon's mandatory Big Ten injury report included the update that 6-6 wide receiver Kyler Kasper is now listed as out for the season, adding to a run of injuries and attrition at wideout.

The Ducks remain fortunate to have scouted and developed well at the position because Jurrion Dickey left the team in training camp. Evan Stewart tore his patellar tendon in June, though his recovery is ahead of schedule. Dillon Gresham has been out all season, as has fellow redshirt freshman Jack Ressler.

Fortunately Dakorien Moore proved to be the instant impact receiver he looked to be in spring practice. Malik Benson has blossomed into a reliable deep threat, and veteran Gary Bryant Jr. has also been a playmaker. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah McClellan grabbed eight passes for 112 yards and a touchdown over the first five games.

These four and true freshman Cooper Perry (5 catches for 22 yards) are the only healthy, productive bodies in the Oregon receiver room halfway through the season.

If this group hadn't been so productive and consistent in Oregon's 5-0 start, fans might be more worried. It helps that running Dierre Hill and tight end Kenyon Sadiq have made big plays in the passing game, and could be used more to bolster that part of the attack should they lose somebody.

Still it'd be a blessing if Stewart and Gresham made it back in a few weeks. After all, the games they remember are played in November. Justius Lowe caught 21 passes for the Ducks a year ago, but he's been limited to a part-time role this year.