The Oregon Ducks were locked in a Big Ten battle with the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines in Week 10 when their star power was tested. WR Tez Johnson went down with a tough injury and was seen in a sling on the sidelines in street clothes.
Following the game, less clarity was provided, but the future doesn’t appear too bright for 2024.
What Happened to Tez Johnson?
Johnson was injured when he hauled in a 2nd & 4 reception for an 11-yard first down. He was tackled awkwardly on the play, slamming head-first into the turf.
He got up and immediately grabbed at his chest before walking to the sidelines on the opposite side of the field.
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Johnson went into the injury tent for about two minutes before he was then shown exiting the tent and heading to the locker room.
After a lengthy delay with no updates from the broadcast, it was ruled that Johnson would miss the remainder of the game after he emerged from the locker room with his arm in a sling and in street clothes.
“This just breaking news, Johnson is out for the remainder of the game as he has emerged from the locker room with what looks like a collarbone injury,” the broadcast stated.
After the game, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning offered a potentially positive update.
“He told me in the locker room he’s going to be fine,” Lanning said. “Obviously, we want to make sure we get him assessed and take a look at that, but I don’t know that we have an update right now.”
On Sunday, Johnson himself posted a brief update on social media. Unfortunately, that update was a simple broken heart emoji with no caption or other verbiage.
This season, Johnson has 64 catches for 649 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s averaging over 10 yards per reception and has been one of QB Dillon Gabriel’s favorite targets.
Following the game, QB Dillon Gabriel expressed his concern and feelings on the matter.
“I hate it for him, because I love the competitor he is,” Gabriel said. “He’s a guy who loves the game and is vocal about his passion. He loves the game of football. So it’s hard, and you hate it for him.”
With Johnson injured, other receivers stepped up, including Traeshon Holden and Evan Stewart, the latter of who caught a touchdown pass on the very drive that Johnson was injured.
Holdon finished the Michigan game with six receptions for 149 yards while Justius Lowe, Terrance Ferguson, and Kenyon Sadiq also saw an uptick in snaps and production.
Duck fans will collectively hold their breath until a further update is provided and hope for the best for Johnson’s future this season.
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