Bryan McClendon delivers Oregon injury news ahead of Alamo Bowl
With the Alamo Bowl just over 24 hours away, Bryan McClendon met with reporters Tuesday and delivered some injury news ahead of Oregon’s showdown with Oklahoma.
The Ducks are dealing with a slew of injuries and opt-outs, and there were reports Monday that the Ducks could be down to anywhere from 50-60 scholarship players.
McClendon, Oregon’s interim head coach, delivered an outlook that reflects the tole that injuries departures have taken on the team’s depth.
The Ducks will for sure be without all-conference defensive tackle Popo Aumavae, edge rusher Adrian Jackson, edge rusher Jake Shipley, and inside linebacker Jackson LaDuke. Those are all new absences, as all four players were healthy for the Pac-12 title game.
Offensive lineman Ryan Walk, who has been sidelined since the Washington game with a long-term injury. McClendon said Walk could potentially be available “in a limited role” Wednesday.
Defensive back Bennett Williams will be full-go for the Ducks, McClendon confirmed. Williams has not played since Week 5 and suffered a broken fibula prior to Oregon’s loss at Stanford.
McClendon delivered some good news for the Ducks, too, and said safety Bryan Addison and defensive lineman Keanu Williams will be available.
But Oregon will still be missing some major firepower. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Mykael Wright, and Devon Williams have all opted out to enter the NFL Draft. Jayson Jones has transferred away from the program.
Keyon Ware-Hudson missed the last few games due to injury, as did Keith Brown. It sounds as though both players will be sidelined Wednesday.
There is no new news on Dru Mathis or Sean Dollars. Mario Cristobal said in November that both could potentially return for the postseason.
The Ducks will also be without the plethora of players who had previously suffered long-term injuries.
That includes Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd, CJ Verdell, Cam McCormick, Patrick Herbert, Faaope Laloulu, Jonathan Denis, Bram Walden, Logan Sagapolu, Justin Flowe, and Steve Stephens IV.
