Tez Johnson heads to the locker room as the Oregon Ducks march down the field

Last updated on November 2, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

After taking the first touch of the ball in the Big House as the Ducks' punt returner, Tez Johnson looked ready for a big game against the Michigan Wolverines. But as Oregon, Johnson and quarterback Dillon Gabriel marched down the field, something went wrong.

Gabriel connected with Johnson, who had a few more yards after the catch and secured the first down. At the end of the 11-yard reception, Johnson went down hard and appeared to land incorrectly on his shoulder.

Johnson ran to the sideline, holding onto his collar to seemingly steady his arm. Coaches immediately flocked to Oregon's star receiver's side to check on him. The coaches and Johnson moved the evaluation to the injury tent and after a few moments the group left the field to take Johnson to the locker room.

Meanwhile, Gabriel and the rest of the Oregon offense continued their march down the field against the Wolverine defense.

Gabriel connected with three other receivers — tight end Kenyon Sadiq and WRs Evan Stewart and Justius Lowe — for 36 yards and a touchdown. Gabriel and running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington combined for another 16 yards.

The Ducks ate up nearly six and a half minutes of play on 12 plays for 63 yards and took a 7-0 lead.

The Ducks' defense was stopped on Michigan's first drive, holding the Wolverines to a three-and-out after Derrick Harmon made a huge tackle for loss early in the game. After Michigan's second unsuccessful drive, Oregon sent a new man to return the ball because Johnson had not yet returned to the field.

Ryan Pellum dropped the punt return and the Wolverines had the ball again.