Dan Lanning Not Expecting Jahlil Florence, Dave Iuli to be Available in Week 1 vs. Idaho
It’s finally game week for the Oregon Ducks, as they’ll kick off their 2024 season against the Idaho Vandals at 4:30 pm PT.
To get the week started, head coach Dan Lanning met with reporters in Eugene on Monday night and provided a handful of injury updates on key contributors ahead of kickoff.
Junior cornerback Jahlil Florence and interior offensive lineman Dave Iuli have been two players that we’ve been monitoring as they work their way back to 100%. Lanning offered up some good and some bad news for fans that are anxious to pack Autzen Stadium to cheer on the No. 3 Ducks.
“I don’t think Jahlil or Dave will be available,” the head coach said. “Gary (Bryant) I think could be available.”
We’ve reported that Florence isn’t expected to do very much as the season gets underway, and with the depth the Ducks have at corner, his absence shouldn’t be much of an issue against the Vandals. Expect to see veteran players like Nikko Reed, Kam Alexander and Dontae Manning get more snaps in the mean time. But don’t rule out seeing some of Sione Laulea, a top-five junior college prospect that signed with Oregon in the 2024 class out of the College of San Mateo.
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Iuli missing time is a big more significant as A’lique Terry, Ryan Walk and the rest of the offensive line staff continue to shuffle pieces in the wake of Matthew Bedford‘s injury, which is expected to sideline him for “a little bit.” As such the staff has considered moving sophomore star Iapani Laloulu, the team’s projected starter at center this offseason, to guard, where he played plenty as a true freshman. There’s also been some excitement around junior Charlie Pickard, who could step up to play some center in the mean time.
Lanning isn’t ruling out any combinations ahead of kickoff.
“I think all things are on the table,” he said when asked about the interior offensive line. “Again, How many guys can we have that can play winning football? We’ll send out the group that we think has done the best in fall camp to start the game. But I think for us to think long-term we have to be able to prepare and have multiple guys play at multiple positions.”
Other players that could be in line for more snaps include Nishad Strother, Kanen Rossi, and Kawika Rogers among others.
