Despite returning to practice this week, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is "unlikely to play" against UCLA on Saturday, sources tell CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
On Monday, Ducks coach Dan Lanning said that Moore was back at practice in shoulder pads and a helmet, but the team is taking things slowly with its star quarterback. Oregon will release its first availability report of the week on Wednesday night, but it sounds like Moore will be listed as questionable at best.
"Dante was out there at practice for us today," Lanning said at his weekly press conference. "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."
Moore has been recovering from a concussion since taking a dangerous hit to the head against USC on Sept. 26. Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens Jr. struck a forceful blow to Moore's head as he was sliding, and the Oregon quarterback had to be stretchered off the field.
This news means backup Dylan Raiola will likely get his first start at Oregon against UCLA. A former five-star recruit, Raiola transferred from Nebraska in the offseason, and his willingness to play the role of backup for one season is already benefiting him and the Ducks.
In relief of Moore, Raiola torched the USC secondary for 289 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He may need a similar effort this weekend as Oregon faces a UCLA team that has been lighting up the scoreboard under first-year coach Bob Chesney.
