Oregon Ducks Injury Report: 5 Starters Whose Status Could Derail The CFP Run Against James Madison

The Oregon Ducks football program faces its most significant challenge of the 2025 season, not from an opponent, but from a growing injury list that threatens their College Football Playoff (CFP) aspirations. As of today, December 17, 2025, head coach Dan Lanning has been characteristically coy with specifics, but the sheer volume of attrition at key positions—especially wide receiver and offensive line—has become the biggest question mark heading into the CFP First Round matchup against the James Madison Dukes on December 20. The status of star wide receiver Evan Stewart and anchor center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu are dominating headlines, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team's offensive firepower when they need it most.

This comprehensive report breaks down the injury status of every major contributor, providing the freshest updates on who is likely in, who is questionable, and the long-term impact of these setbacks on Oregon's championship hopes. The widespread injuries, particularly to the receiving corps, will force the Ducks to rely heavily on their depth and the running game to overcome a tough James Madison defense.

Key Player Injury Tracker: Status for CFP First Round (vs. James Madison)

The following list details the most critical injuries impacting the Oregon Ducks roster for the CFP opening game. The focus remains heavily on the offense, which has been decimated by injuries over the last month of the season.

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Offensive Starters & Key Contributors

• Evan Stewart (WR, #7): Stewart's status is the most ambiguous and concerning. While one report suggested a likely torn patellar tendon that could sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 season, Coach Dan Lanning has offered an encouraging, albeit vague, update, suggesting the star receiver could "absolutely" return for the playoff opener. He has been seen practicing, but his game-day status remains a major question mark, with many sources listing him as OUT due to a knee injury.
• Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu (C, OL): The starting center and anchor of the offensive line suffered a left foot/ankle injury during the game against the USC Trojans. Laloulu was listed as questionable for previous games, and while he has been seen warming up with the team, his availability for the James Madison game is still unknown. His absence would force a significant shuffle on the offensive line, with players like Charlie stepping in.
• Gary Bryant Jr. (WR, #2): Bryant Jr. has been sidelined with an ankle injury and has not played since the game against Iowa on November 8. Like Stewart and Moore, he has been seen practicing, but Lanning has been coy regarding his official return timeline. He is officially listed as questionable.
• Dakorien Moore (WR): Another key wide receiver whose injury status has been closely guarded by the coaching staff. Moore has been sidelined and, despite being seen practicing, his game status is questionable, contributing to the massive attrition at the position.
• Jayden Limar (RB, #27): The running back is questionable with a foot injury. While some reports list him as OUT, his status is critical for a team that may need to lean on its ground game due to the receiving injuries.
• Da'Jaun Riggs (RB): Also listed as questionable with a foot injury, further depleting the depth in the backfield alongside Limar.
• Alex Harkey (OL): The offensive lineman is listed as OUT, adding to the depth concerns on the line, especially with Laloulu's questionable status.

The Wide Receiver Attrition: Oregon's Fatal Flaw in the CFP?

The most alarming trend on the Oregon Ducks injury report is the sheer number of unavailable or limited wide receivers. This "attrition" at the position is widely considered the single biggest question mark surrounding the team's ability to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. The offense, which relies heavily on a dynamic passing attack, is now facing a crisis of depth.

The Full List of Injured/Absent Wide Receivers

The following players highlight the massive loss of talent and depth at the wide receiver position:

• Evan Stewart (Knee/Patellar Tendon, OUT/Questionable)
• Gary Bryant Jr. (Ankle, Questionable)
• Dakorien Moore (Undisclosed, Questionable)
• Jack Ressler (WR, #88): Listed as OUT with an undisclosed injury.
• Dillon Gresham (WR): Listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.
• Justice Williams (WR): Absent due to injury/opt-out status.
• Rashid Williams (WR): Absent due to injury/opt-out status.

The uncertainty around Stewart, Bryant Jr., and Moore means the Ducks will be relying on their remaining healthy receivers to carry the load against a tough James Madison defense. The situation is so dire that the wide receiver corps has become the primary focus of all injury analysis heading into the CFP. The team's offensive strategy will undoubtedly pivot to a more run-heavy approach if these key targets remain sidelined.

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Defensive and Long-Term Roster Updates

While the offense has taken the brunt of the injuries, there are a few updates on the defensive side and other long-term roster decisions that impact the team's overall depth and topical authority.

Defensive Status and Roster Changes

• Kenyon Sadiq (S/DB): The injury to Sadiq was a concern earlier in the season, but recent reports suggest he is healthy and ready for the playoff run. His presence alongside Jamari Johnson is crucial for the secondary.
• Teitum Tuioti (DL): The defensive line leader is confirmed to be healthy and ready to lead the Oregon defense against the James Madison offense, which averages 37.3 points per game.
• Hughes (Player): Has elected to redshirt the remainder of the 2025 season and will not be taking the field for the Ducks. This is a long-term roster decision that impacts depth.
• Transfer Portal and Opt-Outs: While Coach Lanning has addressed the controversial topic of bowl game opt-outs, the Ducks have managed to keep their core intact for the CFP. However, the team did lose its defensive coordinator to Cal and has two cornerbacks who entered the transfer portal, which affects overall depth and cohesion, separate from the injury report.

Impact on the James Madison Game

The critical injuries to both the wide receiver corps and the offensive line's central figure, Iapani Laloulu, mean the Ducks' game plan against James Madison will need to be significantly adjusted. The offensive coordinator will likely call for more running plays to mitigate the risk of turnovers and the lack of experienced, healthy receiving targets. The pressure will be squarely on the running backs—if they are healthy—and the defense to keep the game under control. The health of Evan Stewart, in particular, will be a game-time decision that could dramatically shift the betting odds and the entire dynamic of the CFP opener.