Oregon running back Thomas Tyner out for season

The good news for UO is its leading rusher, Royce Freeman (1,365, 18), returns.

It’s a question that could have a logical explanation, but with some of Oregon’s other skill players on offense coming off of injuries, the significance of Tyner’s loss isn’t to be discounted. John Tyner told Fentress that his son is discouraged by missing the season, but is expecting to make a full comeback in 2016. Helfrich didn’t clarify when exactly Tyner might be added, but it won’t be during preseason camp.

The injury saps the Ducks’ running back depth soon before a matchup with a Michigan State defense that has ranked first in rushing defense in the country last year and returns many key pieces to a defensive line. Without further clarification from the coaching staff, the mind will wander, and for many that has led to: “Was this surgery that could have done immediately following the season?”

But by announcing 103 players Monday, the staff left room for additions after camp opens.

“Being out there at the walk-through and seeing guys operate, seeing things click from a signal standpoint, our veterans did a great job (over the summer)”, Helfrich said.

The Oregon Ducks will be down a man heading into the 2015 season. Griffin is a compact, 6-foot, 205-pound athlete who played option quarterback at Georgia Tech before transferring to UO last offseason and redshirting the 2014 season.

Helfrich said Nelson’s heart might lean with the offense, but he still could be a factor on defense. He also ran 52 times for 392 yards. “He’s a guy that will be everywhere”, Helfrich said.