Carrying a sling, possible collarbone, shoulder injury

The number 1 Oregon ducks took a 7-0 lead over the Michigan Wolverines on the first offensive drive of the game for the Ducks. On the drive, however, Oregon star wide receiver Tez Johnson dropped out with an injury and is out for the match.

According to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell, Johnson spent about two minutes in the injury tent before heading to the locker room with the Oregon training staff. Johnson appeared to hold his shoulder as he walked out the door injury tent. Johnson had an X-ray and Oregon coach Dan Lanning had no comment on the CBS broadcast.

After the game, Lanning spoke about Johnson’s injury at his press conference.

Lanning said, “I’m still figuring it out. I don’t have any details at the moment. He wasn’t available to get back into the game.”

Johnson was out for the rest of the game, in street clothes and wearing a sling on the sideline. The CBS broadcast speculated that it looked like a collarbone injury or a separated shoulder.

At halftime, Dell asked the Oregon coach Dan Lanning on how the team will replace Johnson.

“Next man,” Lanning said. “I thought they did a really good job, apart from one drive where they had a tough field position. Drive the ball, I’m very proud of the way they’ve performed so far.”

Earlier this season, Johnson spoke with the Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus about what makes this Oregon offense special.

“I trust everyone on the offense: coaches, quarterbacks, offensive linemen,” Johnson told Amaranthus. “I give all my receptions to the O-linemen because they literally have to block a front so I can get the ball. And I think the team trusts me and I trust everyone. It’s just working together. Everything you do for the team does, it benefits you in a way that is selfless.”

On Michigan’s next punt, freshman wide receiver Ryan Pellum replaced Johnson as the returner. Pellum caught the ball cleanly, but Michigan forced a fumble on the return. As a result, the Wolverines offense returned to the field in plus territory.

Michigan took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Davis Warren to wide receiver Tyler Morris.

On Michigan’s next punt, wide receiver Evan Stewart replaced Pellum and called for a fair catch.

Ducks fans are hoping the wide receiver’s injury is nothing serious as he was one of quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s favorite targets, with 64 total receptions this season. Before leaving the game with an injury, Johnson recorded one reception for 11 yards.

Johnson was on pace to break his own Oregon record of 86 receptions in 2023 with quarterback and brother Bo Nix under center.

Scouts of nearly half the NFL is at the game. Michigan’s defensive line features future NFL draft picks Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Oregon’s roster also features some NFL talent, including defensive lineman Jordan Burch and tight end Terrance Ferguson who have returned from injury.

Midway through the second quarter, the Ducks led 14-7.