Terrance Ferguson, Jordan Burch OUT

EUGENIO- The number 1 Oregon ducks and not 20 Illinois fighting Illini They will meet on Saturday, October 26 at the Autzen stadium. Although both teams have had success this season, ranking in the top 20, these programs also face uncertainty around key players. By Big Ten Conference rules, official player availability reports were released two hours before kickoff. Here’s a projected look at possible injuries on both sides:

OUTSIDE

1 Jordan Burch
2Gary Bryant Jr.
3 Ferguson Terrace
6 Jahlil Florence
14 Khamari Terrell
17Kyler Kasper
77 Matthew Bedford
93 My’Keil Gardner

QUESTIONABLE

74 Dave Iuli

OUTSIDE

3 Kaden Feagin (season)
4Daniel Brown
56 Magnus Moller

QUESTIONABLE

None

Oregon Offensive Guard Matthew Bedford He has only played a few snaps this season, with his first action coming briefly in Week 3 against Oregon State. Bedford (left knee) was expected to be a starter this season. Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., a starter in 12 games last season, has yet to make his season debut after an extended absence from practice due to an undisclosed injury. He returned to practice before the Purdue game, but will not return to action against Illinois.

defensive end Jordan Burcha key player on Oregon’s defense, injured his knee in practice before the Ohio State game and missed the final two games. His return would significantly bolster the Ducks’ defensive depth, but he will be sidelined for at least another week.

The Ducks also expect the return of the tight end Terrance Fergusonwho underwent an appendectomy and was unavailable against Purdue. A pivotal figure in Oregon’s offensive scheme, Ferguson provides valuable versatility that won’t be available to the Ducks.

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

“Once Jahlil is ready, we can use him,” the head coach said. Dan Lanning during Oregon’s bye week in September. “But right now, it’s not there yet.”

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

“We’re eager to get it back, but it’s not going to happen overnight,” Lanning said in the days leading up to the season opener against Idaho.

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

Although he is not injured, the wide receiver Traeshon Holdenwho was ejected during the Ohio State game and did not play against Purdue, will be available this Saturday, and Lanning confirmed his return to the lineup.

Dave Iuli, an offensive lineman who has been sidelined since the spring with a foot injury, has returned to practice, although it is still unclear if he will be ready for Illinois. Another possible absence for the Ducks is that of the wide receiver Kyler Kasper, who has missed the last three games due to an undisclosed injury. Lanning suggested this week that Kasper’s return this season is uncertain.

“I don’t know the schedule at this time. It may be difficult to see him back this year, but I will not put limitations on him or his ability to return,” Lanning said.

Finally, junior defensive back Khamari Terrellwho was listed as out for the Purdue game, is another Oregon player to keep an eye on heading into Saturday.

Meanwhile, Illinois has its own significant injuries. Outside linebacker Daniel Brown, running back Kaden Feagin and offensive lineman Magnus Moller were 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 leg hyperextension in practice on October 8.

Illinois coach Bret Bielema expects Feagin “to be out for a while,” although there is 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.

Official injury reports for both teams will not be available until Saturday morning.