Oregon TE Colt Lyerla Served One-Game Suspension vs. Colorado

Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla didn't make the trip to Colorado with the rest of his teammates, and many were left speculating as to why the junior was missing his second game of the season.

It turns out that he was serving a one-game suspension, according to oregonlive (via collegefootballtalk.com).

Update: Sunday, Oct. 6th, at 6:30 p.m. PT

Colt Lyerla has withdrawn from the University according to the athletic department's official twitter account.

--End of Update--

Coming into the season, Lyerla was commonly thought to be one of the Ducks most dangerous weapons on offense. In 2012, he caught 25 passes for 392 yards and six touchdowns.

However, he has just two catches for 26 yards this season, and his lone touchdown came on a run up the middle against Nicholls State.

The report quotes head coach Mark Helfrich as saying that Lyerla would be present for treatment on Sunday and "have every opportunity to go from here."

While one-game suspensions aren't uncommon throughout the season, the issue takes on added weight considering Lyerla's absence against Tennessee. After that game, he complained about Helfrich citing "circumstances" as the reason he wasn't suited up, because it caused rampant speculation about what was really going on.

The athletic tight end played against Cal in Week 5, and issues that may have lingered from the game against the Volunteers appeared to be in the past.

But a "violation of team rules" sidelined him once again.

As a result, backups Johnny Mundt and Pharaoh Brown have both received ample playing time, creating enormous depth at the position.

But neither player has the experience that Lyerla brings to the table. Duck fans will be hoping for a quick return to action for the tight end as the team heads north to take on Washington next Saturday.