2 min read • August 31, 2022
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The Georgia Bulldogs lost a record 15 players in the 2022 NFL Draft, and The Oregon Ducks lost their head coach to The University of Miami. However, both teams have elevated high-ranking players to help with their losses. Georgia has suffered injuries to their skill players this offseason, leaving them a little thin for this week one game. In contrast, Oregon is down several high-ranking defensive players recovering from injuries.
The second-string running back, Kendall Milton, was projected to have the most carries of his career this season, but is dealing with a hamstring injury. The hamstring injury has been considered minor, and he’s been a limited participant in practice for about a week, hamstring injuries can linger for running backs. He may suit up for the matchup, but will likely play limited snaps. Milton's hamstring injury is a big one to monitor for the fifth-ranked Bulldogs early in the season.
Two-sport athlete Arian Smith went all in on football this year after dominating track and field last spring. His head coach Kirby Smart praised Smith’s work ethic, but after a high ankle sprain, Smith will need ankle surgery. “He had a tough ankle sprain, a high ankle sprain,” said Smart. “But it’s not broken, and we hope to get him back.” It’s been reported that the injury should keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
Another WR injury to the Bulldogs has hurt their depth at the position. Even though De’Nylon Morrissette wasn’t expected to play much as a true freshman, an injury to his knee completely ruined his chances. “We just don’t have the depth at receiver,” Smart said. “We need to get De’Nylon Morrissette back.” A hyper-extended knee early in camp should cause Morrissette to start his college career slower than expected.
Oregon’s second highest-rated prospect to ever sign with the team has started his career with recurring injuries. In his first year, he tore his meniscus in his knee, which caused him only to play one game. During his redshirt freshman season, he played only one game due to a foot injury. But, in the one game he played, he was voted Pac-12 freshman of the week after recording 14 tackles and a forced fumble. Flowe has been a limited participant in practice, and he seems to have a decent shot at playing in week one. Flowe’s new head coach, Dan Lanning, understands his value to the team.
“Justin was another guy that I recruited while I was at Georgia,” Lanning said. “I think at this point he’s played five quarters. I think Justin will tell you there’s high expectations and he hasn’t been able to execute the level he wants to yet because of injury.”
Last year, Brandon Dorlus was voted all-Pac-12 first-team by the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus after playing all 14 games for the Ducks. His breakout season was a highlight for an Oregon defense that faced a lot of defensive adversity. He was a non-participant in spring practice but has been cleared in fall camp. Expect Dorlus to start at DE in the week one matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Popo Aumavae was seen in a sling during the early stages of the off-season. “We made a deal with each other — after we come out of these slings, we’re going to take this to another level,” said Oregon defensive lineman according to On3. Since then, Aumavae has returned to practice in full capacity and is expected to start on Saturday. Last season he was named a Pac-12 all-conference first-team selection by the Associated Press and Pro Football Focus. He also ranked first according to PFF in overall defensive grade for an interior lineman.
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