BYU vs. Oregon Injury Report: How Will WR Injuries Limit BYU?

BYU Injury report:

BYU has started the season 2-0, playing middling opponents. Their biggest test will come against #25 ranked Oregon. The Oregon Ducks started the season as a top 15 ranked team, but their ranking dropped after a Georgia loss. In BYU’s fall camp and first two games, they’ve suffered injuries to their wide receiver core.

Puka Nacua, WR, Junior:

Nacua suffered an ankle injury in the BYU Cougars’ week one blowout victory against South Florida. This ankle injury kept him out of the team’s week two matchup, and he didn’t even participate in pre-game warmups since he was in a boot. Nacua might still have a couple of weeks until his ankle is healed fully. But, the Cougars need their explosive receiver in a critical matchup against Oregon. In the only game, Nacua has played this season, and he had 98 all-purpose yards on four touches. Last year he led the Cougars in receiving yards and was named first-team all Independence Conference.

Gunner Romney, WR,  Senior:

Senior wide receiver Gunner Romney has been a critical cog in the two-headed monster BYU passing attack. Last year Romney and Nacua totaled nearly 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns, almost 40% of the team receiving yards and roughly a third of the team receiving touchdowns. But, Romney has yet to play in a game this season with an undisclosed injury. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said on the Coordinators’ Corner to Greg Wrubell that Romney’s injury is not a “football injury.” He later mentioned that they are waiting for Romney to be cleared, and then he’ll play. So, don’t expect him to suit up this weekend.

Oregon Injury report:

The Oregon Ducks need a “good win” on their resume to boost their chances of moving up in the NCAA rankings. The BYU Cougars are undefeated, but Oregon is getting better each week. So, a win against the Cougars will show the NCAA that Oregon is improving. But, injuries to their offensive line could be a problem.

Ryan Walk, LG, Redshirt Senior:

It is doubtful that starting left guard Ryan Walk plays versus BYU after battling a knee injury. Walk suffered the injury in the first half of the team’s season opener against Georgia, and Walk has yet to play another snap. “Ryan’s one that we probably would have pushed to get out there, but I think it was a good opportunity for us to give some experience to some other guys we wanted to see.” Head Coach Dan Lanning said to the media. “Very hopeful that he’ll be back and able to help us this week. Lanning was very optimistic about Walk’s return, but he could face severe limitations if they pushed him too early.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, Center/defensive tackle, Sophomore:

The two-position athlete has returned to playing primarily as a depth offensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks. The team has switched to a more pass-heavy scheme with transfer quarterback Bo Nix. Powers-Johnson has been a swing offensive lineman at the center and both guard positions. But, the Duck’s depth could take a hit after  Powers-Johnson suffered a knee injury. The team’s versatile player might be limited if the team clears him to play.