Last updated Nov. 2, 2024 at 4:35 p.m. ET / 1:35 p.m. PT
After earning the first touch on the ball as the Ducks' punt returner in the Big House, Tez Johnson looked ready for a huge game against the Michigan Wolverines. However, as Oregon, Johnson, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel marched down the field, something went wrong.
Gabriel connected with Johnson who had a few yards after the catch and earned the first down. At the end of the 11-yard reception, Johnson went down hard and it seemed like he landed incorrectly on his shoulder.
Johnson ran to the sideline, holding his collar to seemingly stabilize his arm. Immediately trainers flocked to the star Oregon receiver's side to check on him. The trainers and Johnson moved the examination into the injury tent and after just a few moments, the group left the field to take Johnson into the locker room.
In the meantime, Gabriel and the rest of the Oregon offense continued its march down the field against the Wolverine defense.
Gabriel connected with three other receivers – tight end Kenyon Sadiq and WRs Evan Stewart and Justius Lowe – for 36 yards and a touchdown. Gabriel and running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington combined for an additional 16 yards.
In 12 plays that covered 63 yards, the Ducks ate up nearly six and a half minutes from the game clock and put a 7-0 lead on the board.
The Ducks' defense earned a stop on Michigan's first drive, holding the Wolverines to a three-and-out after Derrick Harmon got a huge tackle for loss to start the game. After Michigan's second unsuccessful drive, Oregon sent a new man back to return the ball because Johnson had yet to return to the field.
Ryan Pellum dropped the punt return and just like that, the Wolverines had the ball again.
With 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Johnson emerged from the locker room in street clothes and his arm in a sling. While head coach Dan Lanning had yet to provide an injury update on the wide receiver, it was noted that he would not return to the game.