According to reports from Pete Thamel of ESPN and Zachary Neel of Ducks Wire, Oregon defensive end Jordan Burch, the team leader in sacks, was injured during a noncontact drill in Thursday’s practice and may be limited or out for tonight’s game against Ohio State. Burch, who leads Tosh Lupoi’s defense with 5 sacks—including 2.5 from last week’s game against Michigan State—faces a situation reminiscent of Kayvon Thibodeaux’s 2021 injury, which sidelined him in Oregon’s 35-28 win over Ohio State in Columbus.
Pressure on Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard is key to the Ducks’ game plan. Howard has thrown for 1,248 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, completing 71% of his passes. However, under pressure, he’s struggled, going 5-for-16 for just 34 yards with one interception, a 31% completion rate. If Burch can’t play or is limited, outside pass-rushing duties will fall to 5-star Matayo Uiagalelei, and 4-stars Teitum Tuioti and Blake Purchase, all sophomores. Together, they’ve recorded 4.5 sacks this season, with Uiagalelei responsible for three. Still, Burch has been the Ducks’ most disruptive defender and is projected to be a Top 50 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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