Dana Altman provides bleak update on Oregon's four injured players
On Dec. 13, Dana Altman stated with cautious optimism that he hoped some combination of Oregon’s four injured players could make a return to game action after Christmas.
None of those four — Keeshawn Barthelemy, Nate Bittle, Ethan Butler, or Jermaine Couisnard — were available for the Ducks during their New Year’s Eve showdown with Oregon State in Eugene.
Altman was asked about the status of the quartet during Saturday’s postgame press conference and was much less optimistic this time around.
“No. No. Nope,” Altman responded when asked if any of the four players are close to being back.
The issue, Altman said, is that all four players are dealing with lower body injuries.
Couisnard underwent knee surgery just days before the season opener in November. Barthelemy is dealing with a left foot issue and spent much of December in a walking boot. Bittle also has a left foot injury and has been in a boot.
Butler’s injury is undisclosed.
“When they do start practicing, it will be a really restricted minute type deal,” Altman said. “Especially with knee, foot, foot, pelvis. They’re all lower-body injuries. So it’s not like a hand where you can run, do defensive slides.
“The foot, knees and those things take longer to bounce back from.”
With Barthelemy and Couisnard sidelined, Oregon senior point guard Will Richardson has continued to play an Iron Man role for the Ducks.
Richardson played all 40 minutes for the Ducks against the Beavers on Saturday and has averaged 39.11 minutes per game over the Ducks’ last nine games.
“It’s like asking a quarterback to make a play every time he drops back,” Altman said of Richardson’s role in the offense. “He’s going to have a few interceptions once in a while. He’s going to make a few bad throws. … But, where the hell would we be without him?”
The hope was that Richardson’s workload would be lightened when sophomore guard Brennan Rigsby returned from injury in December. Rigsby has been a major bright spot for the Ducks since he rejoined the lineup.
But he has primarily played in an off-ball role, with Richardson continuing to handle point guard duties.
“When we do get them back, there will be a transition period,” Altman said. “I thought we would maybe get them back over Christmas break. But we have to be conservative with them. Knee surgery, foot, foot injury — we have to be conservative.
“I’m not arguing with the doctors or the trainers, but I’d sure like to get a couple of those guards back to help out Will a little bit.”
Oregon (8-6, 2-1 Pac-12) is currently in the midst of a pivotal stretch.
The Ducks will travel to Boulder to face Colorado (9-6, 1-3) on Thursday, Jan. 5, and then to Salt Lake to face Utah (11-4, 4-0).
