The top-ranked Oregon Ducks took a hit on Saturday afternoon. While the Ducks celebrated a 38-17 win over Michigan in Ann Arbor, they didn’t win without losing one of their top stars. Wide receiver Tez Johnson went down with an apparent shoulder injury in the first quarter. He didn’t return to the game and Oregon fans held their collective breath throughout the weekend.
On Monday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided a promising update on the injured Oregon star. Thamel says Johnson’s injury isn’t considered to be a long-term injury, inducing sighs of relief from the Oregon fanbase.
“Oregon star receiver Tez Johnson’s shoulder injury is not considered season-ending, and he’s expected back later this year,” Thamel wrote on X.
Sources: Oregon star receiver Tez Johnson’s shoulder injury is not considered season-ending, and he’s expected back later this year. He’s not expected to have surgery after the injury at Michigan, which knocked him from the game and left him on the sideline in a sling. pic.twitter.com/Tqd2EMdUXy
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 4, 2024
Johnson has been one of the most reliable targets for Oregon over the past 1.5 seasons. Bo Nix’s adopted brother has performed tremendously for the Ducks. Last season he hauled in 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. Through nine games this year, Johnson has 64 receptions or 649 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He’s been a vital piece to the puzzle for the top-ranked Ducks.
Fortunately, it sounds like Oregon won’t be without him long. They end the season against Maryland, Wisconsin, and Washington, who own a combined record of 14-12. Oregon, on talent, should still be able to bowl through their remaining games. If Johnson heals up and is kept on ice, he could be an impact player in the Big Ten Championship Game if Oregon finishes out. And going forward, obviously, he’ll be a player to watch for the Ducks in the College Football Playoff.
