Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering the concussion that sent him to a Los Angeles hospital Saturday during the 41-27 victory over the USC Trojans.
Moore posted a message on Instagram Monday, two days after USC linebacker Desman Stephens II hit him above the shoulders as Moore began a slide. Officials ejected Stephens for targeting, while medical personnel transported Moore from the Coliseum by ambulance.
“To my team, the community, and to the World, thank you,” Moore wrote. “These past 2 days have been very difficult, but through all of your prayers I have made progress. There’s times I question myself and the Lord and say Why now? but I quickly remember Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. I can only worry about today, and making sure I give today it’s full attention. I’ll be back soon. Go Ducks! 🦆”
Moore’s message follows Oregon’s Sunday update revealing he sustained a concussion but avoided additional injuries.
The school said his MRI and CT scans came back clean and pledged to proceed with “an abundance of caution” regarding his recovery, avoiding setting any timeline for his return.
After the game, Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Moore was still recovering but had “the ability to move.” Oregon also confirmed Moore had movement in all of his extremities.
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“It’s a disgusting play,” Lanning said during his postgame press conference. “We don’t want to see it happen. It’s disappointing that it happened. I’m praying that our player’s healthy, and I’m praying that their player can learn from that situation.”
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Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns as Oregon improved to 3-1 and climbed up the AP pool to the No. 15 spot.
Oregon will host UCLA on Oct. 10 at Autzen Stadium with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
