Oregon Ducks Tez Johnson Injury: Wearing a sling: Possible collarbone and shoulder injury

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks took a 7-0 lead over the Michigan Wolverines as the Ducks launched their first offensive attack of the game. However, during the drive, Oregon's star wide receiver Tez Johnson was injured and was out for the game.

According to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell, Johnson spent about two minutes in the injury tent before heading to the locker room with the Oregon training staff. Johnson appeared to be holding his shoulder as he exited the injured tent. Johnson had an X-ray and Oregon coach Dan Lanning had no comment on the CBS broadcast.

Johnson is on his way to the game, in street clothes and with a sling on the sidelines. The CBS broadcast speculated that it was a collarbone injury or a separated shoulder.

At halftime, Dell asked Oregon coach Dan Lanning how the team would replace Johnson.

“It’s next man up,” Lanning said. “I thought they performed really well, except for one drive where they had difficult field position. Drive the ball, I’m really proud of the way they’ve done so far.”

Earlier this season, Johnson spoke with the Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus about what makes this Oregon offense so special.

“I trust everyone on offense – coaches, quarterbacks, offensive linemen,” Johnson told Amaranthus. “I give all of my receptions to the O-linemen because they literally have to block a front for me to get to the ball. And I think the team trusts me and I trust everyone. It just works together. Everything you do for the team, it benefits you in a way that is selfless.”

On Michigan's next punt, freshman wide receiver Ryan Pellum replaced Johnson as the returner. Pellum caught the ball cleanly, but Michigan forced a fumble on the return. As a result, the Wolverines' offense came back on the field in plus territory.

Michigan took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Davis Warren to wide receiver Tyler Morris.

On Michigan's next punt, wide receiver Evan Stewart replaced Pellum and called for a fair catch.

Ducks fans are hoping the wide receiver's injury is nothing serious, as he was one of quarterback Dillon Gabriel's favorite targets with 64 total receptions this season. Before leaving the game due to injury, Johnson recorded one ball thrown for 11 yards.

Johnson was on pace to break his own Oregon record of 86 receptions in 2023 with quarterback and brother Bo Nix under center.

Scouts from nearly half of the NFL are present at the game. Michigan's defensive line features future NFL draft picks Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Oregon's roster also features some NFL talent, including defensive lineman Jordan Burch and tight end Terrance Ferguson, who returned from injury.

The Ducks lead 14-7 midway through the second quarter.