Update: Franklin did come back into the game on the last Oregon drive, so he’s going to power through this shoulder injury.
Troy Franklin is in on this drive for Oregon.
— Jarrid Denney (@jarrid_denney) December 2, 2023
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin appeared to suffer a shoulder injury in the second quarter of the Pac-12 title game against the Washington Huskies. Franklin was able to walk off the field but got plenty of attention from trainers while he was down on the field after failing to haul in a pass on a third down play.
Ducks drive into the red area but are stopped on third down, and look like they’ll kick a field goal.
— Rob Moseley (@DuckFootball) December 2, 2023
Of greater concern, Troy Franklin needs attention from medical staff after the incompletion on third down. #GoDucks
The shoulder might not be the only concern for Franklin, as the trainers are taping up his foot too.
Troy Franklin took his helmet off, then got up, now back sitting. Trainer taping his right foot. Injury was to his shoulder though.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) December 2, 2023
This is a potentially dangerous situation for Oregon, largely because Franklin took a huge step forward this season to become the team’s No. 1 receiver. After 891 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, Franklin put up 1,349 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Ducks blasted most of the Pac-12 in their final season in the conference. Oregon needs to beat Washington to likely land a spot in the College Football Playoff, and the Ducks would like to have Franklin on the field as they attempt to do so.
If Franklin is unable to return to this game, look for Bucky Irving and Tez Johnson to get more touches in the offense. Irving is primarily a running back, but Johnson is coming off a big game against Oregon State and is capable of making his presence felt on the field.