Oregon Ducks Left Tackle Tyrell Crosby to Start Saturday Night

EUGENE, Oregon - The Oregon Ducks vital left tackle Tyrell Crosby will return to the starting line-up Saturday against the Virginia Cavaliers at 7:30 PT on ESPN. The junior offensive lineman missed opening day with a foot injury.

Head coach Mark Helfrich and company wanted no part of rushing one of their two most important offensive linemen back to the fold. If last week’s game against UC Davis was instead later in the season against a Pac-12 foe, the veteran tackle may have given it a shot. Yet, since it was so early in the season, Oregon was in no rush with him.

Crosby was in street clothes on the sideline last weekend from Autzen Stadium after hurting his foot during practice a little over a week ago. He was seen in a precautionary walking boot following the occurrence, but looks like a “full-go” in warm-ups tonight.

Allowing Crosby a week to rest was important to the growth of the extremely young Oregon line. Against a less than intimidating opponent, the growth from the first quarter to the fourth for the offense as a whole was immense.

With three newcomers starting this season on the Ducks’ offensive line, right guard Cameron Hunt and Crosby are being looked to for more than just leadership.

The rest of the youthful line looks the same as last week with freshmen left guard Shane Lemieux, center Jake Hanson and fellow frosh right tackle Calvin Throckmorton. Last week, freshman Brady Aiello drew the start for the injured Crosby.

Oregon kicks off against Virginia with a deep roster, including Rio 2016 Olympian Devon Allen at wide receiver. The Cavaliers may not pose the test Oregon is seeking, but every game is an opportunity for the Duck defense to find its stride. However, get ready for some in-game fireworks from the high-octane offense.