Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore Out vs. UCLA After Concussion
Despite returning to practice, the projected first-round NFL draft pick will not play against UCLA as the team adopts a cautious approach to his recovery.
The Oregon Ducks will be without quarterback Dante Moore for their upcoming Week 6 matchup against UCLA, head coach Dan Lanning announced. Moore has returned to practice this week, but the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery from a concussion.
Moore was injured during Oregon's Week 4 game against USC after a hit from linebacker Desman Stephens II. The quarterback was taken off the field on a stretcher following the play. He has not yet been cleared to return to game competition, and it remains unclear which stage of the concussion protocol he has completed.
"Dante was out there at practice for us today," Lanning said at his weekly press conference. "Similar to what we said before, we're gonna do what's best for Dante moving forward. ... It was great to see him back out there with his teammates getting to work today."
Moore is considered a projected first-round NFL draft pick, and the Ducks are prioritizing his long-term health over his immediate return to the field. The team has not provided a timeline for his return to full contact practice or game competition, but all players must successfully complete all five stages of the concussion protocol before being cleared.