Since it’s National Tear Your ACL Day, add Oregon to the list of teams that have announced season-ending injuries today.
The latest is Ducks safety Avery Patterson, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Patterson suffered the injury in Saturday night’s win over Cal. Patterson became the team’s starting free safety after senior John Boyett elected to have season-ending surgery in early September.
Since then, Patterson’s been a force. He’s tied for first place on the team with interceptions (three), returning two for touchdowns. He’s also tied for fourth on the team with 44 tackles. Sophomore Erick Dargan is expected to start at the free safety spot as Oregon prepares for Stanford.
The Ducks’ defense has been banged up this year. Against the Bears, UO’s top five defensive lineman and top two cornerbacks were all sidelined with injuries.
(Hat tip: The Oregonian)