Dan Lanning updates the status of key Oregon offensive lineman dealing with injury
According to ScoopDuck’s Jarrid Denney, Oregon offensive lineman Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu was not at practice on Monday or Tuesday of this week.
The fifth-year senior tackle for a starter in 10 of Oregon’s 14 games last season and figures to be a key piece of the offensive line again in 2022, but an injury early in camp certainly isn’t what anyone wants to see. Head coach Dan Lanning, though, doesn’t think the injury is too serious.
“It’s a minor ding,” he told reporters on Tuesday after practice. “I think we’ll get him back here shortly.”
The Oregonian’s James Crepea also reported that fellow starter TJ Bass has been limited through the team’s first five days on the practice field. Oregon has an off day on Wednesday, but the Ducks will be in full pads for the first time starting on Thursday. The first scrimmage of fall camp is also scheduled for Saturday.
While Aumavae-Laulu tries to work his way back—and Bass tries to get back to 100%—the Ducks have been able to rep some younger players at different spots. Josh Conerly Jr., Dave Iuli, and Kawika Rogers—all freshmen—have been able to see some reps they might not have if the first-line group was entirely healthy.
“Josh Conerly had a really good day, had a really good rep in competition today,” Lanning said. “A competition drill where we do kind of a one-on-one drill, he did a really good job. Seen some good things from Dave, seen some good things from Kawika, a lot of those young guys have done well up front.”
Building depth is nice. Keeping everyone healthy is better.