Royce Freeman Injury: Updates on Oregon Star's Knee and Return

Oregon running back Royce Freeman suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sept. 17. His official playing Status for Week 5 against Washington State has yet to be announced.

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Freeman's Playing Status

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Oregon running backs coach Gary Campbell told reporters Freeman "should be ready to go" against Washington State on Saturday.

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Latest on Freeman's Practice Status

Tuesday, Sept. 27

Campbell told reporters Freeman was a full participant in Tuesday's session.

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Freeman Has Emerged as Offensive Leader for Ducks

Freeman quickly established himself as Oregon's top option on the ground during his first two years in Eugene. His combination of size (6'0", 229 lbs), power and quickness allowed him to live up to the hype of a highly touted recruit, which he was coming out of California.

Along with his terrific production, he also managed to stay healthy despite a heavy workload in the Ducks' run-first attack. It made his transition to the collegiate level a major success. Now it appears his junior campaign could be derailed a bit.

The only silver lining for Oregon is that its fast-paced style of play helps prepare other players for bigger roles by first involving them as reserves. Tony Brooks-James and Kani Benoit should step into the spotlight while everybody else moves one peg up on the depth chart.