The number 1 Oregon ducks beat the Michigan Glutton38-17, with 110,576 fans in attendance Michigan Stadium (The Big House) – the largest crowd the Ducks have ever played in front of.
…But the Ducks also suffered a potentially huge loss.
Oregon star wide receiver Tez Johnson was injured on Oregon’s first drive of the game, with what appears to be a collarbone or shoulder injury, as reported by CBS.
October 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half against Illinois Fighting Illini defenseman Xavier Scott (14) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory credits: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn images
Johnson spent about two minutes in the injury tent before entering the locker room with the Oregon training staff. He was given x-rays and returned to the sideline in street clothes and with a sling around his right arm/shoulder.
After the game Oregon coach Dan Lanning said he had no details on the severity of the injury. Coach Lanning will speak with the media Monday evening and may have more information about Johnson’s availability for Oregon’s upcoming game against Maryland and the rest of the season.
Lanning, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and safety Kobe Savage shared their emotional reactions to their beloved teammate’s injury.
“During the drive, I didn’t necessarily know what was going on, but once I got to this sideline, I kind of got wind of it,” Gabriel said after beating Michigan. “I hate it for him because I love the competitor that he is. He’s a guy who loves the game and expresses his passion, and he loves football.”
Oregon Ducks Tez Johnson Injury /
“So it’s hard, and you hate it for him, just like I hated it for (Terrance Ferguson) and hearing that, but Ferg came back, and he played a role and contributed. So I know Tez will do the same , and I love him just for being the person he is,” Gabriel continued.
Early Sunday morning, Johnson posted a photo of himself from the game to his Instagram Story. Johnson didn’t caption the photo with words, but he added a broken heart emoji.
Oregon Ducks Tez Johnson’s Instagram story with broken heart emoji / Tez Johnson / Instagram
“This guy is a winner, in every bit of that word – what it means to be a winner,” Lanning said. “Tez is that for us, and we always talk about opportunities, you know, the next mountain… He’s an unselfish player who plays with crazy passion and energy, and we certainly would have loved to have him there tonight.”
Before leaving the game, Johnson caught one pass for 11 yards and electrified with a punt return of 21 yards in the first quarter.
Gabriel’s top target, Johnson’s 64 receptions are just 22 away from breaking his own Oregon record of 86 set in 2023. Johnson leads the Ducks with 649 receiving yards, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten, despite the fact that he missed the majority of Oregon’s. game against Michigan.
“I mean, Tez is a great leader,” Savage said after beating Michigan. “From the day I got here, he has established his role on this team as a leader and as a brother. He does a great job of carrying guys and calling them up, not inviting them. I mean him, Traeshon, already those guys.” Like Tez, this Oregon football team is a very important part. We love them, and we just hope he comes back healthy.”
A hard-working leader and productive teammate, losing Johnson would be a major blow to the Ducks, who are entering a season 9-0 for the first time since 2012.
Next up, Oregon hosts the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, November 9 at 4:00 PM PT Autzen Stadium.
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