Oregon Week 4 practice observations: Ducks mostly healthy ahead of showdown with Colorado

The Oregon Ducks were back at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex outdoor practice fields on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Colorado in Eugene.

The opening 20 minutes of Tuesday’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 the Ducks prepare for their marquee showdown with the Buffs, Dan Lanning’s team appears to be as healthy as it has been at any point this season.

Just two scholarship players were absent: Freshman offensive lineman Lipe Moala and junior placekicker Andrew Boyle. Both have been sidelined for the majority of the season.

Junior linebacker Jestin Jacobs was in full pads and cleats but was a limited participant once again. The Iowa transfer has yet to play in a game this season as he works his way back from a major knee injury he suffered last fall.

Junior offensive lineman Nishad Strother, who also has yet to play in a game this season, was in pads on Tuesday. The offensive linemen did not go through a full-contact drill during the open portion of practice, so it’s unclear if Strother is still a limited participant.

All-conference receiver Troy Franklin was a full participant on Tuesday. During the Ducks’ win over Hawaii last Saturday, Franklin appeared to be dealing with a hand issue late in the game and was seen with a bag of ice on his hand while exiting the field. But he fielded punts and participated in position drills on Tuesday and appeared to be good to go.

Practice Observations

Ross James and Luke Dunne both delivered some good punts during Tuesday’s special teams period. Dunne took the first punt of the day.

The group of punt returners featured Tez Johnson, Troy Franklin, and Nikko Reed. Safeties Evan Williams and Bryan Addison fielded short punts off the Monarch Seeker.

The group of kick returners consisted of Bucky Irving, Noah Whittington, Jordan James, Gary Bryant Jr., Kris Hutson, and Rodrick Pleasant.

Oregon’s running backs, receivers, and tight ends faced off with the linebackers and defensive backs in a “mod bracket drill” during the third period. A few notable moments during the drill were:

Bryan Addison put a massive hit on a running back who was wearing a scout team number to win a rep for his group. Dante Dowdell lowered his shoulder and shook off a tackle from Steve Stephens IV during an impressive run. Khyree Jackson had a nice open-field tackle.

Post-practice media

Oregon’s Tuesday practice is scheduled to conclude at approximately 11:40 a.m. PT. Afterward, quarterback Bo Nix, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and defensive lineman Casey Rogers will speak with reporters.

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