Kayvon Thibodeaux banged up, Dru Mathis injured against Fresno State

For Oregon star Kayvon Thibodeaux, the first game of the season will be a quick one. While he helped Oregon get off to a fast start, the defensive star left the field with an ankle injury as the first quarter waned down.

Kayvon Thibodeaux got hit from behind on the playhttps://t.co/hD3zBhXruq

— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 4, 2021

As Thibodeaux looked to clean up a run play by Fresno State, he was caught in the cross hairs and rolled up on by a teammate. Alas, Mario Cristobal’s squad doesn’t want to risk losing their best player ahead of a matchup with Ohio State.

According to Bryan Fisher of Athlon Sports, Thibodeaux’s day is likely overwith.

Kayvon Thibodeaux’s day is probably done after what looked like an ankle injury. Walked off on his own power.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 4, 2021

Taking the good with the bad, at least the Ducks star walked off on his own power. If Thibodeaux only has to miss the rest of Oregon’s game against Fresno State, crisis will be averted.

Luckily, he seems to be alright. According to James Crepea of The Oregonian, Ducks fans everywhere can exhale.

Kayvon Thibodeaux putting left cleat back on, looks like he's OK. Exhale everyone.

— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 4, 2021

Kayvon Thibodeaux: Still dominant

Earlier in the game, Kayvon Thibodeaux proved why he’s regarded as arguably the best player in the entire nation. He exploded on his way to the quarterback, crushing him to cause a strip sack.

Kayvon Thibodeaux. Still dominant. pic.twitter.com/iQFWTVNtvI

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 4, 2021

Even in a short time, Thibodeaux had an impact. Three plays later, the Ducks punched it in to go up 7-0.

Another blow for Oregon’s D

In addition to Thibodeaux, the day is over for Oregon linebacker Dru Mathis as well, according to Crepea. However, the news isn’t as cheery for the linebacker.

Oregon WLB Dru Mathis using crutches to head to the locker room with apparent left knee injury. Brutal for the super senior.

— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) September 4, 2021

It’s been a brutal day for Oregon’s defense, health wise. While Oregon may have avoided disaster with Thibodeaux, the loss of Mathis stings.