Oregon Ducks, Illinois Injury Update: Terrance Ferguson, Gary Bryant Jr. Returning?

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks face off against No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday at Autzen Stadium in a high-stakes Big Ten clash. With both teams dealing with key injuries, the availability of players like Oregon’s Gary Bryant Jr. and Terrance Ferguson will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson, right, celebrates first down against Ohio State during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

EUGENE- The No. 1 Oregon Ducks and No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini face off Saturday, Oct. 26, at Autzen Stadium. Although both teams have had success this season, ranking in the top 20, these programs are also dealing with uncertainty around key players. Per Big Ten Conference rules, official player availability reports won’t be released until two hours before kickoff, keeping fans and analysts waiting to see which impactful players will take the field. However, here's a projected look at the potential injuries on both sides:

Oregon has yet to confirm the status of offensive guard Matthew Bedford, who has only played a few snaps this season, his first action coming briefly in Week 3 against Oregon State. Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., a 12-game starter last season, has yet to make his season debut after an extended absence from practice due to an undisclosed injury. He returned to practice ahead of the Purdue game, but his availability remains unconfirmed.

Defensive end Jordan Burch, a key player on Oregon’s defense, injured his knee in practice leading up to the Ohio State game and has missed the last two games. His return would significantly bolster the Ducks' defensive depth, but his status remains undecided. 

Oct 4, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Jordan Burch (1) sacks Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Ducks are also awaiting the possible return of tight end Terrance Ferguson, who underwent an appendectomy and was unavailable against Purdue. Ferguson, a pivotal figure in Oregon’s offensive scheme, could provide valuable versatility if he’s ready to play this weekend. However, the Ducks are more likely to hold Ferguson out with such a recent surgery.

Some Ducks have a longer path to recovery, including freshman defensive back Dakoda Fields, who has been out with a knee injury since late August with no timetable set for his return. Cornerback Jahlil Florence, a nine-game starter last season, is still recovering from a knee injury sustained in November 2023. While Florence has returned to practice, he has been officially listed as out for each game so far this season. 

“Once Jahlil is ready, we’ll be able to utilize him,” said head coach Dan Lanning during Oregon’s bye week in September. “But right now, he’s not at that point yet.” 

Defensive lineman My’Keil Gardner, who was expected to play a key role this season, remains out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury.

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning talks to wide receiver Traeshon Holden (1) after he was penalized for spitting during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Autzen Stadium. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“We’re anxious to get him back, but it won’t be something that happens overnight,” Lanning said in the days before the season opener against Idaho. 

The Ducks are likely to remain without redshirt sophomore defensive back Zach Grisham, who hasn’t played since the Boise State game and has been listed as out in each of the last four games. 

Although not injured, wide receiver Traeshon Holden, who was ejected during the Ohio State game and did not play against Purdue, will be available this Saturday, with Lanning confirming his return to the lineup. 

Dave Iuli, an offensive lineman who has been sidelined since spring with a foot injury, has returned to practice, though it’s not yet clear if he’ll be ready for Illinois. Another possible absence for the Ducks is wide receiver Kyler Kasper, who has missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury. Lanning suggested this week that Kasper’s return this season is uncertain.

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Kyler Kasper hauls in a pass 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

“I don’t know the timeline right now. It might be hard to see him back this year, but I won’t put limitations on him and his ability to get back,” said Lanning.

Finally, junior defensive back Khamari Terrell, who was listed as out for the Purdue game, is another Oregon player to monitor ahead of Saturday. 

Illinois, meanwhile, has significant injuries of its own. Outside linebacker Daniel Brown, running back Kaden Feagin, and offensive lineman Magnus Moller were all out in last week’s matchup against Purdue. Feagin, the Illini’s leading rusher through the first five games with 306 yards and three touchdowns, suffered a hyperextended leg in practice on Oct. 8.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema expects Feagin “to be out for a little bit,” though there’s no final word yet on his availability for Saturday. Illinois will also be without wide receiver Ashton Hollins, who has been ruled out for the season. 

Both teams’ official injury reports will not be available until Saturday morning. 

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