Dan Lanning provides injury update on Jordan Burch

When Oregon lined up against Washington in the Pac-12 title game, the Ducks quickly suffered a major blow when defensive end Jordan Burch was hurt in the first quarter. Burch played only a few snaps before exiting the game, and he was spotted on the sideline after the injury wearing a brace on his left knee. He did not return to the game.

Coach Dan Lanning provided an update Friday on Burch’s status as the team prepares for the Fiesta Bowl against Liberty.

“We’re always going to protect our players, right?” Lanning said. “So we’re going to make sure that Jordan’s in a position where he can get back and be able to play for us. We’ll see what that looks like as it progresses, but he’s out there doing stuff for us today.”

That’s far from a firm answer on what Burch will do, and the talented defensive end also has some options on the table if he wants to pursue a career at the next level.

It’s entirely possible Burch could opt out of the bowl game and enter the NFL Draft, though there’s been no indication so far that Burch might be considering that. Regardless, he’s a key piece for the Ducks, both in the Fiesta Bowl and going forward into 2024.

Burch was a productive player this season, tallying 33 tackles, a team-high 7.5 tackles for a loss, 3.0 sacks, a pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. The talented pass-rusher was a major offseason acquisition by the Ducks prior to the 2023 campaign, coming over to the West Coast from South Carolina.

In three seasons with the Gamecocks, Burch registered 105 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a defensive touchdown and five passes defended. That production made him a top target in the transfer portal.

Whatever Burch decides on the bowl game — injury permitting — it will be big news for Oregon. The Fiesta Bowl against Liberty is scheduled for Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET, with a national broadcast on ESPN.