Oregon RB Noah Whittington Expected to Miss Remainder of 2023 Season

On Wednesday, Dan Lanning was asked if he expected starting running back Noah Whittington to return in 2023.

"I don't think that's probably going to be the case, no," Oregon's head coach told reporters in Eugene following Wednesday's practice.

Whittington was carted off the field during Oregon's week 4 game against Colorado after suffering what appeared to be a lower leg injury. Lanning had previously said that Whittington was "Going to be down for a little bit," but Wednesday's news confirmed the worst. His season is over.

In four games this season the junior running back totaled 146 rushing yards on 20 carries (7.3 yards per carry) and scored 2 touchdowns. He also contributed through the air, catching 10 passes for 78 receiving yards. 

Sophomore running back Jordan James has stepped up in a big way not just in Whittington's brief absence, but this entire season.

So far in 2023, James has rushing for 297 yards and 7 touchdowns on 34 carries (8.74 yards per carry), with Bucky Irving leading the team with 393 rushing yards on 50 carries.

Whittington had bulked up this offseason, adding significant weight to his shredded 5-foot-8 frame, putting on an additional 14 pounds of muscle and checking in at 208 pounds.

He has one more year of eligibility remaining after this year should he choose to use it. The veteran ballcarrier could also choose to apply for a medical waiver with the NCAA after only playing in four games this season.