Herbert could be back for Ducks against Arizona
EUGENE, Ore. — Quarterback Justin Herbert appears poised to return from a broken collarbone but so far there’s no definitive word from Oregon.
The Ducks (5-5, 2-5 Pac-12) host the Arizona Wildcats and their star QB Khalil Tate on Saturday with Herbert’s status in the air. Will he start? Will he be available? The Ducks aren’t saying on the record.
Herbert, who fractured his collarbone against California on Sept. 30, has been practicing and some say he appears ready to come back. There was a report he will start Saturday, and coach Willie Taggart teased earlier this week that “there is a good chance” Herbert can play.
Of course it might be gamesmanship. The fact is that the Ducks are one win away from bowl eligibility in Taggart’s first year as head coach and Herbert gives them the best chance to win.
Since he was injured, Oregon has lost four of its last five games. Freshman Braxton Burmeister, who replaced Herbert , was thrown into a difficult situation, no fault of his own.
Oregon is coming off a bye after a 38-3 loss at Washington. Following Saturday’s game at Autzen Stadium, the Ducks will host Oregon State in the annual Civil War on Thanksgiving weekend.
“They may get Justin (Herbert) back, which would be a big boost to them,” Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez said.
The Wildcats (7-3, 5-2) are already bowl eligible.