The No. 9 Oregon Ducks will enter their Saturday matchup against the No. 20 Iowa Hawkeyes without their leading wide receiver and face uncertainty surrounding their star tight end. The Ducks, who hold a 7-1 record and sit at 4-1 in the Big Ten Conference, confirmed that freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore is out for the game due to an injury sustained during practice earlier this week.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the nature of Moore’s injury remains undisclosed, and the Ducks’ official injury report lists him as “OUT.” Moore, a highly regarded five-star recruit from Duncanville, Texas, has been a standout performer this season, recording 28 receptions for 443 yards and three touchdowns over eight games.
In addition to Moore’s absence, tight end Kenyon Sadiq is listed as “QUESTIONABLE” for the matchup, with his status to be determined at game time. Sadiq has been a crucial target for Ducks’ quarterback Dante Moore, contributing 22 catches, 311 yards, and five touchdowns. His potential absence would further challenge the Ducks’ offensive strategy, especially considering the impact of Moore’s injury.
The Ducks’ passing game could rely heavily on redshirt-senior Gary Bryant Jr., who has the second-most receptions on the team with 24. He, along with senior receiver Malik Benson, a transfer from Florida State, have been productive, combining for seven touchdown receptions this season. The situation is compounded by the ongoing absence of senior receiver Evan Stewart, who has not participated all season.
Oregon’s injury woes extend beyond the receiving corps. Starting right tackle Alex Harkey and linebacker Devon Jackson are also listed as “QUESTIONABLE,” further depleting the team’s depth ahead of the critical matchup against Iowa, which has a record of 6-2 and is also 4-1 in the Big Ten Conference.
As the Ducks prepare for their 12:30 p.m. (PT) kickoff, the coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to navigate these challenges. The impact of these injuries could significantly influence the outcome of the game and the Ducks’ standing in the conference as they seek to maintain momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
