Evan Stewart injury update: Latest on Oregon wide receiver

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart tore his patellar tendon in June, sources told On3 at the time, with a recovery time that ranged from three to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Sources have told On3 in recent weeks that Stewart is ahead of schedule on his recovery and could be back at some time in November. Stewart could play in the final four games of the regular season and as many games in the postseason and preserve his redshirt, if he wants.

Stewart showed off another sign he is close to nearly full health, posting a TikTok video on Wednesday of him dancing. Oregon closes out the regular season against Iowa, Minnesota, USC and Washington.

His return would be a major addition to the Oregon passing game. Stewart took on a key role in the Oregon passing attack last season in his first year in Eugene. He ranked third on the roster with 613 receiving yards while adding five touchdowns as one of Dillon Gabriel’s top targets. With Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden both in the NFL, the expectation was that Stewart would take a larger role this year.

@evan.stewartt Well yall kno where im at #rehab #fypシ ♬ original sound – Fbrl challenge creator

If Stewart can make a return, he will be another weapon for quarterback Dante Moore. True freshman Dakorien Moore has stepped up in Stewart’s absence, posting 25 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Will Stein’s offense ranks No. 6 in the nation, averaging 505.1 yards per game.

“Yeah, it hurts my soul just understanding how he’s doing and him not being here,” Moore said this summer. “But, like I said, we have a great receiver room still.”

Stewart is a former Five-Star Plus+ recruit and Texas A&M transfer. He has 1,776 receiving yards in his career with 11 touchdowns.

Oregon plays Wisconsin on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Eugene on FS1.