Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning Reveals Week Two Injury Update: Bryant Jr., Bedford?

The Oregon Ducks are preparing for Boise State. Two Ducks were out in Oregon's season opener against the Idaho Vandals: Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. and offensive lineman Matthew Bedford. Monday, Oregon coach Dan Lanning gave insight into the recovery of these athletes.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

EUGENE - The Oregon Ducks football program is preparing for its second game of the 2024 season. The Ducks will face the Boise State Broncos at home in Autzen Stadium at 7 p.m. PT. The Ducks are 1-0 so far this season beating the Idaho Vandals last Saturday in a season opener that was closer than expected. The Ducks who entered the game favored by 44.5 points beat the Vandals by just 10 points, 24-14.

Two players who were prepared to make an impact for the Ducks this season were out with Injury. Both wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. and offensive lineman Matthew Bedford did not take the field Saturday. However, Oregon Coach Dan Lanning is optimistic about their ability to play in week 2.  

Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford works out during practice with the Oregon Ducks Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bryant and Bedford were listed as questionable on last week's official injury report ahead of the Oregon-Idaho game but were on the sideline in uniform.  

Q: “Are you optimistic that Bryant and Bedford could go this week?” 

Dan Lanning: “Yeah, I am.” 

Both Bryant and Bedford practiced in full pads on Aug. 28, though Bedford did not take part in any on-field drills during the early periods. 

Bryant, who participated in pregame drills before the Idaho game, has been practicing in full pads this week. His return could Oregon's already highly talented receiving corps, which includes several talented players such as Tez Johnson, Evan Stewart and Traeshon Holden.  

Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports / Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

The junior receiver played in all 14 games for the Ducks last season, making 12 starts. He finished with 30 receptions for 442 yards and four touchdowns. 

Bedford, a transfer from Indiana, was expected to be a key contributor on the offensive line but suffered an injury during fall camp. While his status for Saturday's game remains uncertain, Lanning indicated that he is making progress. 

The absence of Bedford has led to some shuffling on the offensive line. Iapani Laloulu started at right guard, and walk-on Charlie Pickard filled in at center. Lanning acknowledged that the offensive line struggled in the win over Idaho and hinted at potential changes moving forward. 

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning calls to players as the Oregon Ducks host the Idaho Vandals Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

“Once we have more people available I think there is always opportunities to look and see what that lineup looks like,” said Lanning during Monday's press conference. “I think regardless if Matt’s available or not, I think that that’s something you always have to try to create at every position, that competition that makes you better and having more guys that can play winning football. We’ll see what it looks like as we move forward.”  

Bedford was a multi-year starter at Indiana and was brought in to fill the vacated right guard position at Oregon marked by the exit of Jackson Powers-Johnson who was drafted to the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft.  

While the Ducks were able to secure a victory in their opener, the return of Bryant and Bedford would provide a significant boost to their offense. These players’ presence would add depth and experience to key positions, potentially allowing the team to be more competitive in the Big Ten Conference. 

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