Oregon Week 5 practice observations: Justin Jacobs returns, several starters absent

The Oregon Ducks were without several starters during the open portion of Tuesday’s practice following Saturday’s blowout win over Colorado.

But the Ducks also had some positive news on the injury front.

The opening 20 minutes of this morning’s practice were open to reporters and photographers, during which the Ducks went through stretching and warmups, special teams work, and individual position drills.

Here are some notes and observations from those periods.

Injuries and absences

As expected, Oregon standout running back Noah Whittington did not practice on Tuesday. He suffered an apparent left leg injury against the Buffs and was carted back to the locker room. After the game, Dan Lanning said Whittington will be “down for a little bit.”

Additionally, starting safety Bryan Addison and starting placekicker Camden Lewis were not seen during the open portion of practice.

Starting cornerback Jahlil Florence was in pads in cleats, but warmed up off to the side and was a limited participant during the periods that reporters were able to watch. cornerback Daylen Austin and defensive lineman Tevita Pome’e were limited, too.

Receiver Josh Delgado, kicker Andrew Boyle, and offensive lineman Lipe Moala remained absent.

One bright spot for the Ducks, though, was Jestin Jacobs. The junior linebacker participated in a full-contact drill for the first time all season.

Jacobs was projected to start for Oregon this season but has been working his way back from a major knee injury that he suffered at Iowa last fall.

Practice observations

Punter Luke Dunne lifted a couple of massive punts with great hangtime during the special team’s period of practice. With Camden Lewis absent and Andrew Boyle out injured, Grant Meadors was Oregon’s lone kicker on Tuesday.

Oregon’s groups of kick returners and punters on Tuesday were as follows:

Kick Return

Bucky Irving, Jordan James, Rodrick PleasantGary Bryant Jr.Kris HutsonCole Martin

Punt Return

Tez JohnsonTroy FranklinEvan Williams (took short punts off a machine)

During the third period, the Ducks’ skill position players went head-to-head with the linebackers and defensive backs in a mod-bracket drill.

Jestin Jacobs took one rep during the drill.

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