Oregon's depth behind star running back Royce Freeman took a hit over the weekend, as the Ducks' No. 2 back, Thomas Tyner, had season-ending shoulder surgery.
The procedure was done to correct lingering pain from a shoulder injury Tyner sustained last season in a game against Washington, according to Comcast Sportsnet Northwest. Tyner's father, John, told the website that his son underwent successful surgery Friday. The junior is expected to make a full recovery and return for the 2016 season, his father said.
Oregon coach Mark Helfrich is likely to be asked why Tyner's need for surgery wasn't determined when the offseason began, rather than just as it was ending. It's a question that could have a logical explanation, but with some of Oregon's other skill players on offense coming off of injuries, the significance of Tyner's loss isn't to be discounted. As Freeman's primary backup last season, Tyner rushed for 573 yards and five touchdowns, and the CSNNW story suggests his loss could compel the Ducks' coaching staff to move Byron Marshall from wide receiver back to running back. Marshall played running back in 2013 but played more receiver last year and caught 74 passes.
Oregon opens fall camp Monday.
UPDATE: Helfrich on Monday confirmed that Tyner would not participate in fall camp. Oregon does not announce injuries as a policy.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
