Dan Lanning provides injury update on cornerback Jahlil Florence

Oregon starting cornerback Jahlil Florence has avoided a long-term injury, according to Ducks’ head coach Dan Lanning.

Florence left Oregon’s Week 7 loss at Washinton with an apparent injury midway through the third quarter and did not return. However, Lanning said Florence was back at practice on Monday.

“Jahlil practiced today — looks like he’ll be fine,” Lanning said.

Florence has locked down a starting cornerback during his sophomore season while emerging as an invaluable figure in the Ducks’ secondary. In six games this season, he has tallied eight total tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup.

According to Pro Football Focus, Florence has been targeted 15 times and surrendered eight receptions for 150 total yards for a reception percentage of 53%. That’s the sixth-best rate among Oregon defenders who play regularly.

During Saturday’s loss to Washington, he recorded three tackles and the Ducks’ lone interception of the day.

Oregon’s other starting cornerback, Khyree Jackson, also left the game due to injury but later returned.

With Florence and Jackson sidelined, Dontae Manning, Trikwexe Bridges, and Nikko Reed all saw playing time at outside cornerback.

“I think that gives you an opportunity to be successful in games when we talk about strength in numbers,” Lanning said of Oregon’s depth at cornerback. “You never know where your role is gonna exist, how it’s gonna exist, and how much roles change. Roles will continue to change this year on our team. It’s never comfortable; competition exists every day. So, when guys come in and perform and perform at a high level, they get more opportunities. That’s how it works.

“It’s good to have guys who have been able to come off in roles like that this year and play at a high level.”

During his Monday press conference, Lanning was asked if true freshmen cornerbacks Daylen Austin and Rodrick Pleasant — both of whom are 4-star signees from the 2023 class — could potentially make an impact during the second half of the season.

“We have good players on our team, but those are certainly two of them,” Lanning said of Austin and Pleasant. “Both of them have gotten better and better every single week. As soon as they’re ready to be out there and contribute for us, they certainly will be. I think they both — if you remember, they weren’t able to get here until the summer. So, it’s a lot to pick up really quickly. But it becomes a part of availability — who’s available to play? And then need, and then preparation and where you stand.

“I would say both of those guys are preparing well. They’re motivated to be great. When you come in as a freshman, you wanna contribute right away. But you can’t always eat an elephant in one bite. It’s a process. So, those guys are focused on the process. They’re getting better and better. When they are able to go out there and contribute for us, we will certainly use them.”

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