Dante Moore’s availability in serious doubt as Oregon takes a cautious approach with injured quarterback
The Oregon Ducks are expected to be shorthanded when they welcome UCLA to Eugene this weekend for a highly anticipated Big Ten tilt.
Despite Oregon coach Dan Lanning confirming that Moore participated in practice this week, the projected first-round NFL draft pick is unlikely to take the field in Week 6.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated. This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.
“Dante was out there at practice for us today,” the fifth-year Ducks head coach said at his weekly press conference, via CBS Sports. “Similar to what we said before, we’re gonna do what’s best for Dante moving forward. … It was great to see him back out there with his teammates getting to work today.”
OREGON DUCKS QB DANTE MOORE CARTED OFF THE FIELD AFTER A VICIOUS HIT TO THE HEAD AGAINST USC
Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks warms up during a media timeout in the second half of the game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images) (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
Oregon’s seemingly cautious approach to Moore’s return comes on the heels of a dangerous and controversial hit near his head that the signal-caller absorbed during a Week 4 game against USC.
USC defensive player Desman Stephens II delivered a forceful blow a Moore slid, forcing him to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart checks on quarterback Dante Moore as he is carted off the field after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
All players must successfully complete all five stages of the concussion protocol before being cleared to return to full-contact practice and, eventually, game competition.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stands over quarterback Dante Moore as he is attended to after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX NEWS APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
It remains unclear which stage of the protocol Moore has completed.
