Oregon head coach Dan Lanning announced that he is gathering further details regarding the arrest of wide receiver Evan Stewart but pledged that the program would implement "appropriate action" once all facts are established.
"There will be an appropriate action taken. Still gathering some details with what that situation looks like," Lanning stated. He emphasized that the situation would be addressed within the team, adding, "But that would be handled internally. I’m not gonna respond to any other questions about that. We’re gonna handle that with our guys."
Stewart was taken into custody early Sunday morning, facing charges of driving under the influence. This occurred just hours after the Ducks secured a comeback victory against Nebraska on Saturday night. Police records indicate he was booked at the Springfield Municipal Jail.
Lanning acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the incident, noting it cast a shadow over the team's recent success. He reiterated, "There was an incident this weekend that didn’t match our standard here in our program."
Stewart's Season and Injury Status
Stewart was not on the field for the game against the Cornhuskers due to an undisclosed injury. This season, he has recorded 27 receptions for 352 yards and four touchdowns. His current performance marks a return to play after missing the entirety of the previous season due to a tear in his right patellar tendon.
Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Upcoming Matchup
Looking ahead, Oregon is set to face Illinois in a Big Ten conference game, with the availability of star quarterback Dante Moore still uncertain. Moore has been absent from the Ducks' last two contests as he recovers from a concussion.
Lanning mentioned that Moore participated in practice sessions leading up to Oregon's Week 6 matchup against UCLA. However, it was Brock Thoman and Dylan Raiola who ultimately played during the Ducks' narrow 17-15 defeat to the Bruins. Both Thoman and Raiola also saw action in the game against Nebraska.
