Updated

Updated · Fox News · Sep 27

Oregon QB Dante Moore Carted Off After Head Hit, USC's Stephens Ejected for Targeting

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Sep 27

Oregon QB Dante Moore Carted Off After Head Hit, USC's Stephens Ejected for Targeting

Q: With Caleb Williams scrutinized and the Bears' backup concussed, will a third-string veteran be forced to salvage Chicago's uncertain season?

Yes—Case Keenum could be forced into a major role, but Chicago is still waiting on Tyson Bagent before making that call. Caleb Williams has been ruled out for Monday night against Philadelphia with a Grade 1 hamstring strain after leaving the Vikings game. Coach Ben Johnson has called the MRI “somewhat encouraging” and labeled Williams week-to-week, but that does not solve the immediate problem. Bagent, the primary backup, suffered a concussion after replacing Williams and is still in the league’s protocol, even though he returned to practice and is listed as questionable. That leaves Keenum, the 38-year-old third-string veteran, as a real possibility to start if Bagent does not get final clearance. Chicago has prepared for that scenario all week, with Keenum taking first-team practice snaps while Williams sat out and Bagent worked through protocol. Johnson has publicly expressed confidence in both Bagent and Keenum, stressing that each has won games in the league. If Keenum starts, the Bears are unlikely to ask him to carry the offense aggressively against an Eagles defense that has been strong versus the pass. The more realistic plan would be to lean on Chicago’s rushing attack, which has been one of the league’s better early-season units, and try to protect the quarterback with a controlled game script. So the Bears’ uncertain season is not yet entirely in Keenum’s hands—but unless Bagent clears in time, the veteran will be the one asked to steady it for at least one week.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 27

Dante Moore was carted off and taken to a waiting ambulance after a head hit about five minutes into the second quarter of No. 20 Oregon's game at No. 12 USC.
Desman Stephens II was ejected for targeting after hitting Moore as the quarterback slid past the line to gain on a scramble.
NBC's broadcast reported Moore could move his hands and feet and rotate his arms while leaving the field, though no specific injury was disclosed.
Dylan Raiola replaced Moore, finished the drive with a touchdown pass to Evan Stewart, and Oregon added a late field goal to take a 13-10 halftime lead.
The incident also drew scrutiny because Stephens was shown smiling on the sideline while Moore was still being taken off the field.

Sources

Fox News1h ago

Oregon QB Dante Moore Carted Off After Head Hit by USC's Desman Stephens II

USA TODAY1h ago

Dante Moore injury: Oregon QB takes hit to head, teammates scuffle with USC

FOX Sports6h ago

Dante Moore Carted Off Field After Hard Hit, USC's Desman Stephens III Ejected | FOX Sports

11 Sources

After a violent hit and controversial sideline laughs, what consequences await USC's ejected linebacker as Oregon's playoff hopes hang in the balance?

With Caleb Williams scrutinized and the Bears' backup concussed, will a third-string veteran be forced to salvage Chicago's uncertain season?