Dan Lanning Provides Injury Updates Ahead of Pac-12 Championship
The No. 6 Oregon Ducks had some key defensive players out during last week’s 31-7 win over the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers and had a key offensive weapon exit during the game.
Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. went down with a lower left leg injury in the third quarter after making a 10-yard catch on Oregon State’s sideline. The receiver was helped to Oregon’s sideline and headed straight into the medical tent and did not return to the game.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning gave an update on the receiver Monday night.
“As far as Gary he’s out there and getting better,” Lanning said. “I think we’ll be in good shape to have him this weekend.”
Bryant has been one of Oregon’s four core wide receivers this season and has caught 26 passes for 380 yards for three touchdowns. He’ll be needed against Washington this Friday with a conference title on the line.
Lanning also gave an update on starting cornerback Jahlil Florence as well as true freshman Rodrick Pleasant.
“I’m expecting us to be able to have some of those guys back,” Lanning said. “Still have to go wait and see as the week progresses. That’s kind of the way it goes at this point in the season.”
Florence started alongside Kyhree Jackson in 11 games this season before being seen in crutches during Friday night’s game.
In Florence’s absence, veteran Dontae Manning got the nod to start against Oregon State and looked impressive, snagging his first college interception. Pleasant has played in five games this season and hasn’t played since the Ducks’ victory over USC on November 11.
“We’ll play whoever we need to play to have success,” Lanning said of his approach this week. “We have plenty of DBs here that can play good football for us. Plenty of safeties, plenty of linebackers. Again, not to divulge our plan, but we’ll match personnel. And go out there and give it our best look.”