Oregon football could be getting some big-time players back this week at Michigan, as defensive end Jordan Burch and tight end Terrance Ferguson were participating during the portion of practice open to the media Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Burch has missed three games since getting hurt in practice prior to the Ohio State game on Oct, 12. When he went down, he was the Ducks‘ leader in sacks and tackles for a loss with five and seven, respectively.
Ferguson, one of the premier players at his position in the Big Ten Conference, has missed two games after having his appendix removed two weeks ago. He has 20 receptions for 321 yards this season.
Whether one or both are back for Oregon’s 12:30 p.m. game Saturday in Ann Arbor remains to be seen.
“Both of those guys were available to practice today,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said on Monday. “But we’ll put our players’ best interest in mind as we prepare for this week.”
Here is an unofficial list of players who have known injuries or who were listed on the Big Ten Conference availability report for Oregon’s game against Illinois last week.
Oregon football injury report ahead of game vs. Michigan
Matthew Bedford — The offensive lineman, out with a knee injury, has been limited this season to just a few snaps at the end of the Oregon State game in Week 3. He’s been listed as out on the Big Ten availability report the last five games. On Wednesday he was at practice in street clothes and wearing a large brace on his right leg.
Gary Bryant Jr. — The wide receiver and 12-game starter last season has yet to play this season. He was at practice for the first time in over a month during the Ducks’ prep for Purdue, but was listed as out for the game against Illinois.
Jordan Burch — The senior defensive end has missed the last three games after suffering an injury in practice days before the Ohio State game.
Terrance Ferguson — The tight end has missed two straight games after have appendix surgery days before the game against Purdue on Oct. 18.
Dakoda Fields — The freshman defensive back has been out with a knee injury and there is no timetable for his return, Lanning said Aug. 28.
Jahlil Florence — The nine-game starter at cornerback last season continues to work his way back from a knee injury that occurred last November against Arizona State. He has been listed as out for every game so far this season, but has been participating at practice in recent weeks.
“I’m trying to get back for y’all ! Soon soon soon,” Florence tweeted Tuesday morning.
My’Keil Gardner — The redshirt freshman, who was expected to provide depth along the defensive line this fall, has been out all season with an undisclosed injury. He was at practice on Wednesday, however. and afterwards, when asked about Gardner’s potential to play this season, Lanning answered: “Possibly. We’ll continue to access where he’s at and feel it out.”
Zach Grisham — The redshirt sophomore defensive back hasn’t played since the Boise State game on Sept. 7. He’s been officially listed as out the last five games with no timetable given for his return.
Dave Iuli — The veteran reserve guard appears close to getting back on the field. Iuli, who has been working his way back from a foot injury suffered in the spring, was listed as questionable against Illinois last weekend though he didn’t play. Still, it was the first time this season Iuli wasn’t listed has out on the Big Ten availability report.
Kyler Kasper — The sophomore receiver has missed the last four games with an undisclosed injury and will likely be out for an extended period.
“I don’t know the timeline right now,” Lanning said in early October. “It might be hard to see him back this year but I won’t put limitations on him and his ability to get back.”
Khamari Terrell — The junior reserve defensive back was listed as out against Illinois.
Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.com and you can follow him on X @chansen_RG.
