Dan Lanning gives promising injury update after the Ducks beat Iowa that Oregon fans will love to hear
The Oregon Ducks depth was tested against Iowa.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning had plenty to be proud of after the Ducks’ gritty win at Iowa, but he also knows the team’s depth is being tested. Three of Oregon’s top offensive starters, freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and right tackle Alex Harkey, all missed Saturday’s game, and Lanning provided updates on each after the victory.
“I know everybody will want some updates on injuries and where guys are at, but I’m really just proud of the way the guys played,” Lanning said. “Ultimately, it was kind of a weird week. We actually didn’t have a lot of contact. Dakorien kind of tweaked his knee on a non-contact play in spiders. I think he’s gonna be okay but was obviously out tonight.”
The news on Moore, the Ducks’ dynamic freshman and clear No. 1 receiver, is encouraging. While Oregon is optimistic that the injury is not serious, his absence was felt against a physical Iowa defense. With an already thin receiver rotation and fellow wideout Gary Bryant Jr. also leaving Saturday’s game with an injury, Lanning’s group will need Moore back soon.
“I don’t have an update on Gary yet,” Lanning added, “but I thought guys stepped up.”
Sadiq, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, continues to battle through lingering injuries that have limited him since his highlight-reel touchdown against Rutgers earlier this season. Lanning said the staff is prioritizing getting him back to full health before the stretch run.
“Kenyon has had lingering injuries since the Rutgers game where he makes a big catch in the end zone,” Lanning said. “We just want to give him the ability to try to recover from that because he’s tried to practice and it hasn’t been what it needed to be.”
Meanwhile, Harkey, Oregon’s steady right tackle and one of its most consistent offensive linemen, was “really close” to being able to go against Iowa, according to Lanning.
“Harkey rolled his ankle, but he was really close to being able to potentially help us in this game,” Lanning said. “Same with D-Jax. All those guys being out, you see a bunch of guys step up.”
Despite being short-handed, Oregon’s offense found ways to grind out yards in a hostile environment. The Ducks relied on physicality and toughness, two traits Iowa has long been known for, and made just enough plays to secure the win. The backups responded to the challenge, holding their own in the trenches and delivering when it mattered most.
“I think they handled it well,” Lanning said. “You gotta go out there and coach and make the people around you better. I’m anxious to get our team back and get it healthy and see where we’re at, but we’ll evaluate that as it comes. But I thought guys stepped up. Always say, ‘Don’t wait for your opportunity to be ready for your opportunity.’ I thought some guys were ready for their opportunity tonight.”
Oregon’s resilience on the road keeps its Big Ten title hopes alive, but the next three weeks will not get any easier. With USC coming to Autzen Stadium and a season-ending trip to Washington looming, the Ducks will need their stars and their depth as healthy as possible to close out November strong.
