Dante Moore’s availability in serious doubt as Oregon takes a cautious approach with injured quarterback

The Oregon Ducks are expected to be shorthanded when they welcome UCLA to Eugene this weekend for a highly anticipated Big Ten tilt.

Despite Oregon coach Dan Lanning confirming that Moore participated in practice this week, the projected first-round NFL draft pick is unlikely to take the field in Week 6.

“Dante was out there at practice for us today,” the fifth-year Ducks head coach said at his weekly press conference, via CBS Sports. “Similar to what we said before, we’re gonna do what’s best for Dante moving forward. … It was great to see him back out there with his teammates getting to work today.”

OREGON DUCKS QB DANTE MOORE CARTED OFF THE FIELD AFTER A VICIOUS HIT TO THE HEAD AGAINST USC

Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks warms up during a media timeout in the second half of the game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images) (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

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Oregon’s seemingly cautious approach to Moore’s return comes on the heels of a dangerous and controversial hit near his head that the signal-caller absorbed during a Week 4 game against USC.

USC defensive player Desman Stephens II delivered a forceful blow a Moore slid, forcing him to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart checks on quarterback Dante Moore as he is carted off the field after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

All players must successfully complete all five stages of the concussion protocol before being cleared to return to full-contact practice and, eventually, game competition.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stands over quarterback Dante Moore as he is attended to after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

It remains unclear which stage of the protocol Moore has completed.

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.