Jordan Burch doubtful after knee injury

The latest injury report as the No. 3 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) host the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at Autzen on Saturday, Oct. 12 Stadium received at 4:30 p.m. PT. Telecast of the momentous game with implications for the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff will be broadcast on NBC.

The biggest update the Ducks should keep an eye on involves star defenseman Jordan Burch from Oregon. Burch's status is in flux after he suffered a knee injury in practice on Thursday, according to ESPN.

Burch dominated Oregon's 31-10 win over Michigan State and recorded a career-high 2.5 sacks. Burch is the first Duck since 2007 to record at least 2.5 sacks in a game at Autzen Stadium.

What's the latest on Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. and cornerback Jahlil Florence? Will Ohio State starting wide receiver Carnell Tate be available after missing the Buckeyes' game last week?

The Ducks are in pretty good shape as they are expected to remain undefeated in 2024. Every Big Ten team is required to file an official injury report two hours before kickoff, and the Ducks have a relatively clean bill of health entering the game against… the horse chestnuts.

Another big Oregon update this week involves Bryant Jr., who returned to Ducks practice on Tuesday. Bryant hasn't been on the practice field in over a month after suffering a leg injury in August. Will monitor his status before kick-off.

Bryant hasn't played yet this season. In 2023, Bryant started 12 games and caught 30 passes for 442 yards and four touchdowns.

For the Buckeyes, starting wide receiver Carnell Tate did not play in Ohio State's 35-10 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes last week. Tate was sidelined with an unspecified injury but was able to warm up with the team. However, Ohio State coach Ryan Day is hopeful Tate will be available and at full strength against Oregon.

“If we had to put him in the game, he definitely could have played,” Day said. “But we just felt like it was the right thing to do to hold on to him.”

On Wednesday after practice, Coach Day provided another update indicating Tate will be available.

“He had a good day of practice today,” Day said Wednesday evening.

Sophomore Tate has caught 14 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown in four games this season.

In late September, Oregon coach Dan Lanning provided an injury update on Bedford (right knee), who had regressed during Duck practice rehab during Oregon's bye week.

“Yeah, he actually got a bump in practice the other day,” coach Lanning said of Bedford.

Bedford's status is one to keep an eye on – the highly regarded transfer from Indiana hasn't started for Oregon yet, but his return would provide an exciting boost to Oregon's offense.

UPDATES

Senior offensive lineman Matthew Bedford: Was out in all five games this season (knee). Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Bedford was “damaged” in practice before the game against UCLA. His limited practice suggests Bedford won't be available against Ohio State.

Junior wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr.: Has been out for all five games this season and Coach Lanning's latest update on Bryant Jr. says he will be “out for a while.”

Junior offensive lineman Dave Iuli: Has been out for all five games this season (foot injury), has been practicing for the last few weeks, but there is no timetable for a return.

Junior cornerback Jahlil Florence: Has been out for all five games this season (knee), has been practicing for the last few weeks but there is no timetable for return. Florence, who started nine games for Oregon last season, is recovering from offseason surgery.

Senior kicker Andrew Boyle: Missed all of 2023 (knee) and all five games this season – no timetable for return.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman My'Keil Gardner: Has been out in all five games this season, with no timetable for a return. Gardner rode a scooter around the practice facility in Oregon.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Ashton Porter: Was OFF weeks 1, 2 and 3 for personal reasons. I returned to the practice two weeks ago.

Junior defender Khamari Terrell: Did not play against Michigan State but returned to practice Tuesday and participated fully.

Freshman defender Dakoda Fields: Has been out in all five games this season, with no timetable for a return.

Redshirt sophomore defensive back Zach Grisham: Hasn't played since the Boise State game in Week 2. He was officially listed as out against Michigan State.

Oregon is on a five-game winning streak after a 31-10 victory over Michigan State, in a game in which the Ducks' defense terrorized Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles with five total sacks. Oregon defensive lineman Jordan Burch totaled 2.5 sacks with a fumble recovery.

The Ducks will need all of their might to upset the Buckeyes in front of a sold-out Autzen Stadium.