Dan Lanning provides injury updates on Noah Whittington, Jahlil Florence
The Oregon Ducks kicked off spring ball Thursday morning in Eugene with a mostly healthy roster available.
But two of UO’s key players are still working their way back from major injuries.
Junior running back Noah Whittington was a limited participant on Thursday. After a standout debut season with the Ducks in 2022, he suffered a major knee injury during Oregon’s Week 4 win over Colorado last fall and missed the remainder of the season.
On Thursday, Whittington was in uniform and spider pads, participated in warmups, and fielded kickoffs during the portion of practice that was open to reporters.
“We’re being conscientious of where (Whittington) is at,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said. “They’re doing a really good job with the treatment program — he’s way ahead of schedule. He’s done a really good job there. But we’ll be conscientious with him through the spring.”
In four games last season, Whittington rushed for 146 net yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries and averaged 7.3 yards per carry.
A former Western Kentucky standout who transferred to UO ahead of the 2022 season, Whittington made an immediate impact during his first season in Eugene. In 12 games, he ran for 617 yards and two touchdowns on 101 carries.
Junior cornerback Jahlil Florence delivered a breakout season last fall after locking down a starting spot opposite Khyree Jackson. But, toward the end of the year, he dealt with injuries and was not available for the Pac-12 Championship Game or the Fiesta Bowl.
On Thursday, Florence was in street clothes.
“Really the same thing (as Whittington),” Lanning said when asked if Florence would be able to participate in any capacity this spring. “We’re gonna have these guys do what they can do, but be smart in the same process.”
In 11 games last season, Florence recorded 27.0 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, one interception, and one sack. According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted in coverage 38 times and surrendered 24 receptions.
Lanning also noted that senior offensive lineman Faaope Laloulu has moved into a student assistant role with UO.
