Oregon is looking at a relatively easier matchup against Minnesota in Week 12 after a close win over Iowa. The Ducks weren’t helped by injuries on the roster in Week 11. We have some mixed news on that front.

Star WR Dakorien Moore is likely to come through for the Minnesota game, which will be a huge relief for Dan Lanning. On3 reported that he participated in practice this week. Moore went down with a knee injury in practice ahead of the Iowa game. However, he will still be a game time decision for this weekend.

On the other hand, TE Kenyon Sadiq’s return on the field remains “uncertain.” He has been out since the Rutgers game. According to the CBS broadcast for the Iowa game, Sadiq “begged” coaches to suit up for the game. Lanning later said that he had been dealing with a “lingering injury.” The TE doesn’t seem to be in the clear just yet.

Moore and Sadiq are two extremely important players in the supporting cast for Dante Moore. They’ve held the receivers corps steady since Evan Stewart’s loss, having stepped up big time. Moore is the leading receiver of the room, in just his freshman year. Sadiq follows him as No. 2 in the leaderboard. Not having the duo in a game that could have been a potential upset was a nagging worry.

Their loss was significant, but unfortunately for Lanning, they weren’t the only ones out that night. Oregon also lost veteran WR Gary Bryant during the Iowa game. That meant three of the top remaining receivers were out. Johnson got to shoulder more responsibility in the absence of Moore and Sadiq. Dante Moore and his big plays helped steer the game towards them in a desperate serve. An important catch to up-and-coming WR Malik Benson from the QB really made the difference.

Despite being injured, Dakorien Moore and Kenyon Sadiq made the trip to Iowa City with the team. The WR was a very active supporter for his teammates from the sidelines. “Every time I turned around, he was asking, what’s the play call? He’s cheering on his teammates. He’s encouraging him to hold on to the ball,” Lanning said. He also found it “awesome” that Moore and other players took the initiative despite being out. Sadiq had even practiced in the warm-up for the Iowa game, but was still ruled out before kickoff. Dante Moore noted that he was still “communicating” with teammates Jamari Johnson and Roger Saleapaga while being out.

That last quarter drive orchestrated by Moore helped Oregon get that much needed win from Iowa. And, Lanning deserves some praise for being able to do it without his key players, and in a brutal weather. Oregon will look forward to the return of Moore and Sadiq as soon as possible, even if they have an easy opponent in Minnesota. Because the longer the losses in the particular room continue, the more fragile it becomes.

WR room strength a problem for Dan Lanning

The Iowa game clearly wasn’t the best night for Oregon. And, the injury losses also highlights that the depth is thin. Oregon was down to 4 scholarship WRs, who have only caught for a total of 6 times for 50 yards. That number severely undermines the claim of the Ducks hosting one of the best receiving corps ahead of the season. The timeline for Evan Stewart’s return still hangs in a limbo. Having Dakorien Moore, Kenyon Sadiq and Gary Bryant Jr. out severely depletes the production.

Moore has had to step up big time as a freshman, hauling in a solid 28 catches for 443 yards, and 3 TDs. Sadiq comes next with 22 catches for 311 yards, and 5 TDs. But after Jamari Johnson, the number fall sharply among the remaining receivers. Kyler Kaspar has 2 receptions for 59 yards, and 1 touchdown. Justius Lowe follows as the next WR, at 4 catches for 34 yards.

Oregon still has to play 3 games, with USC proving to be a significant threat. Lanning needs his top playmakers back to make a return to the playoffs this season, and go beyond that mark.