Lanning highlights Raiola’s camp impact and Platt injury status ahead of Oregon scrimmage
Dan Lanning praises backup quarterback Dylan Raiola’s conduct and performance during fall camp, while confirming inside linebacker Brayden Platt remains sidelined with a spring injury.
Oregon football coach Dan Lanning has directed attention to the development of backup quarterback Dylan Raiola as the Ducks navigate the critical phase of fall camp. With the team’s season opener against Boise State scheduled for 5 September, Lanning emphasised Raiola’s integration into the roster and his impact on the daily practice environment.
Raiola, who transferred to Oregon from Nebraska over the winter after starting 22 games in two seasons, has assumed a reserve role behind unquestioned starter Dante Moore. Lanning described Raiola as an "unbelievable teammate" who has maintained a high standard of conduct while simultaneously pushing the starting quarterback to elevate his own performance.
"The last few days of practice, the guy's thrown some dimes," Lanning said, noting that Raiola is improving daily. The coaching staff views his presence as a stabilising force in the locker room, with Lanning expressing pride in the former Nebraska starter’s progress and his ability to keep Moore accountable during drills.
As the team approaches its first intersquad scrimmage on Saturday, Lanning admitted to concerns regarding the evaluation of the squad’s physical capabilities. While the team has begun practising in pads this week, Lanning cautioned that these drills may create a "false sense" of tackling proficiency compared to full-contact scenarios.
"We're not there yet, so I'm really worried about tomorrow's practice," Lanning said, referring specifically to the challenge of assessing true tackling ability. He indicated that the upcoming scrimmage will be crucial for determining whether the team can effectively break or make tackles under realistic conditions.
In addition to the offensive developments, Lanning provided an update on the defensive side of the ball, confirming that inside linebacker Brayden Platt remains sidelined. Platt sustained an undisclosed injury during the spring and was unable to participate in the spring game on 25 April.
Lanning declined to provide a timetable for Platt’s return, stating only that the redshirt sophomore will be "limited for a while." The coach emphasised that the nature of the spring injury requires a cautious approach to the player's rehabilitation and return to full practice duties.
The Ducks will return to daily practice routines after Saturday’s scrimmage, with the coaching staff focused on refining physicality and correcting errors observed during the early stages of camp. Lanning noted that the rapid growth seen in players who correct mistakes quickly is a positive indicator for the team’s trajectory heading into the season.
