If the Ducks could have picked a week to be as healthy as humanly possible, this would be the week.
The injury bug has plagued Oregon all season long with key players missing multiple weeks. It started with Kayvon Thibodeaux’s sprained ankle in Week 1 and it’s been going downhill ever since, with guys like Justin Flowe, CJ Verdell, and Cam McCormick all being lost for the season.
Even with the trainers working overtime, the Ducks are still 5-1 overall and in prime position to make another appearance in the Pac-12 title game. Now with a key road game in the Rose Bowl against UCLA, Oregon will be a near full strength.
The two key players that are missing are linebacker Justin Flowe and tight end Cam McCormack, who are both out for the season. Thibodeaux showed he is 100 percent in the second half against California with his 11 hurries and one sack.
Head coach Mario Cristobal said that he expects center Alex Forsyth, linebacker Mase Funa and safety DJ James will all be full-go as the Ducks face the Bruins.
The Ducks also enjoyed the return of Bradyn Swinson against Cal, as well as Treven Ma’ae.
“I feel like we’ve got a lot of momentum,” Cristobal said. “In terms of the roster, getting healthy going into this game, so we’re excited.”
Oregon and UCLA are scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff televised on ABC.
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