Oregon faces a running back shortage heading into its College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana.
ESPN’s Katie George reported Friday that the Ducks used defensive players in practice this week to fill out their backfield. Safety Kilohana Haasenritter and linebacker Brayden Platt took reps on offense during practice sessions.
The team has already ruled out Jordon Davison, who leads Oregon with 15 rushing touchdowns this season.
Noah Whittington remains questionable for the Peach Bowl semifinal. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports Whittington’s status as a game-time decision. The running back has rushed for 829 yards this season.
Oregon has two other scholarship running backs available: Dierre Hill Jr. and Jay Harris.
Harris entered the transfer portal but he’s expected to play Friday. He’s rushed for 116 yards this season.
Two other backs who entered the portal won’t suit up against Indiana: Jayden Limar and Makhi Hughes.
Hughes represents one of Oregon’s most puzzling personnel decisions this season. The transfer from Tulane was highly regarded after a standout 2023 campaign but managed just 70 rushing yards and hasn’t carried the ball since September 20.
The Ducks also list Da’Jaun Riggs as out for Friday’s game.
The defensive players likely won’t see offensive action unless additional injuries occur during the game. But Oregon needed them in practice just to run through offensive plays this week.
That’s where the Ducks stand at running back heading into their biggest game of the season.
