Dante Moore injury update: Oregon QB suffers concussion, no additional injuries - USA Today
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion in the scary hit he took against Southern California, but he didn't suffer any additional injuries, coach Dan Lanning announced.
The positive update on Sunday, Sept. 27 came a little less than 24 hours after Moore was hit in the head during the Week 4 contest, immediately in the fencing position and twitching before he was taken to a Los Angeles area hospital.
"Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries," Lanning said in a statement. "Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future.
"We are extremely appreciative of our entire medical staff and the medical staffs at USC and LA General County Hospital for their quick and thorough action in making sure Dante received the very best care possible," he added.
It's positive news after CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported earlier in the day the Ducks didn't believe it would be a season-ending injury.
The injury happened early in the second quarter of Oregon's 41-27 win over USC. Moore scrambled and was attempting to slide when USC defender Desman Stephens II hit him with his forearm. Stephens was flagged for targeting as Lanning and several Oregon players condemned the hit, with the Ducks coach calling the play "disgusting."
After the hit and the subsequent celebrating Stephens did following the brutal play, USC announced earlier in the day it would suspend the linebacker for one game, calling his actions "completely inappropriate and inexcusable."
"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character," USC coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family."
While it's the positive news Oregon was hoping for, it's unknown when Moore will play again. He will have to clear concussion protocols in order to return to the field.
However, there is a chance he could play in Oregon's next game. Oregon is on a bye week and will not play on Oct. 3. The Ducks instead take the field against UCLA on Oct. 10, giving the team nearly two weeks to see if Moore will be able to suit up.
Dylan Raiola came in at quarterbac for Moore and stepped up mightily for the Ducks, throwing for 289 passing yards and two touchdowns in a critical win for the team's playoff hopes.
