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Update on injury to Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux

Nakos updated headshotby:Pete Nakos•09/04/21•

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Kayvon Thibodeaux
Kayvon Thibodeaux exited Saturday's game against Fresno State. (Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is officially done for the day. The possible No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft exited Saturday’s game against Fresno State with an ankle injury.

Thibodeaux was seen on the Ducks sideline in street clothes with a walking boot on in the third quarter of the season opener. A crucial piece to Oregon’s defense, the Ducks are set to travel to Columbus for a huge nonconference showdown with Ohio State next week.

While he walked off the field with his own power after suffering the left leg injury, the walking boot is concerning. The defensive end injured his ankle when he was caught in the cross hairs and rolled up on by a teammate.

Earlier in Saturday’s game, Thibodeaux had a strip sack that set up an Oregon touchdown.

What the possible loss of Kayvon Thibodeaux means

The defensive end has emerged as one of the most marketable athletes in the dawn of the Name, Image and Likeness era. A consensus preseason All-American, he has signed NIL deals with Nike, United Airlines and eBay.

With the NIL fame, he lives up to they hype on the field. A 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end, he has developed into one of the top pass rushers in the nation. A Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the year selection, expectations have been high for him since he arrived in Eugene.

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He finished with 38 tackles and three sacks last season along with three pass breakups and two quarterback hits in seven games. If the defensive end can not go next week at Ohio State, the loss would be huge for Oregon. The Buckeyes have one of the top rushing attacks in the nation with Master Teague, Miyan Williams and true freshman TreVeyon Henderson.

Another blow for Oregon’s D

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

Mathis was using crutches to head to the locker room. The super senior appears to have a left knee injury.

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.