Oregon QB Dante Moore Gets Clean Scans but Remains in Concussion Protocol

Dan Lanning said scans showed no damage beyond Dante Moore's concussion, but Oregon has not set a timeline for the quarterback's return after a late hit against USC.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion when USC linebacker Desman Stephens II caught him with a late blow to the head during the Ducks' 41-27 win over the Trojans. Head coach Dan Lanning confirmed the diagnosis and said imaging revealed no damage beyond the concussion, though the senior stays in protocol and no firm date has been set for his return to game action.

The play unfolded with a little more than ten minutes left in the second quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Moore had scrambled from the pocket and was beginning to give himself up when Stephens struck him in the head. Officials disqualified the Trojans linebacker on the spot, and players from the two rosters had to be separated once tempers flared.

Medical personnel spent about 15 minutes treating Moore on the turf before strapping him to a stretcher and transporting him by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center. Lanning's update on the quarterback's condition arrived less than 24 hours after that hospital visit.

Lanning announced that an MRI and a CT scan had both come through without complications. "Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries," Lanning said. "Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future." The coach also voiced appreciation for the care provided by medical staffs at USC and LA County General Hospital.

Per NBC Sports, Lanning described the contact as "a disgusting play" and said the targeting rule exists precisely for hits of that kind. He also praised his sideline for staying composed once the initial anger subsided, noting that the group came together in prayer after the injury.

Before departing, Moore had completed 8 of his 10 throws for 77 yards against the Trojans. The senior entered the weekend with 849 passing yards, nine touchdowns and zero interceptions across Oregon's first three games of the fall. According to CBS Sports, the Ducks do not view the injury as one that will end his season.

Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola steered the offense from that point on, connecting on 19 of 25 attempts for 289 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. His 29-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Dakorien Moore arrived in the closing portion of the game.

The result left Oregon at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in Big Ten play. USC head coach Lincoln Riley issued a statement Sunday in which he deemed the linebacker's behavior unacceptable, and the program responded by suspending Stephens for one game.