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Dan Lanning Optimistic Matthew Bedford, Gary Bryant Jr. Could Play vs. Boise State

Max Torres Author Profileby:Max Torres•09/02/24•

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Matthew Bedford
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Matthew Bedford in practice. (Photo by: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Oregon was able to escape week 1 with a narrow 24-14 win over the Idaho Vandals. The Ducks did so without two of their projected offensive starters heading into the season.

Interior offensive lineman Matthew Bedford and wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr., who were both listed as questionable heading into the game, were ultimately unable to give it a go to start the season.

Now turning the page to Week 2, head coach Dan Lanning suggested the two could play this weekend when the Boise State Broncos come to Autzen Stadium.

“Yeah I am,” Lanning said when asked Monday night if he was optimistic Bedford and Bryant could play this weekend.

The news on Bedford is particularly interesting, since the expectation back in fall camp was that his injury would force him to miss a number of weeks, with Lanning say he would “be down for a little bit.” His return to A’lique Terry’s offensive line would certainly be welcome after the group struggled to open up consistent running lanes and give Dillon Gabriel time to operate in the pocket.

Bedford transferred to Oregon after spending the last five years playing at Indiana. He committed to Colorado this offseason before ultimately changing his mind and opting to play his last season of college football for Dan Lanning in Eugene. He was projected to earn a job as Oregon’s new starting right guard following the departure of long time starter Steven Jones.

As for Bryant, he started 12 of Oregon’s 14 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. His absence has been much easier for the Ducks to navigate thanks to the remarkable depth of talent coach Junior Adams has assembled at wide receiver.

The former USC wide receiver is one a number veterans at the position this year along with Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden.

Fans hope to see at least one of Bedford, as well as junior offensive lineman Dave Iuli, who has also missed time in recent weeks, suit up and take on the Broncos this weekend.

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