Tyner will miss the 2015-16 season after undergoing surgery on his shoulder Friday, Comcast SportsNet reports. 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.
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As a sophomore last season, Tyner, a five-star recruit out of Aloha high school (Aloha, Oregon), rushed for 573 yards and five touchdowns.
Tyner’s father told CSNNW.com that Tyner had shoulder surgery on Friday to fix an injury sustained last season.
“Tyner, who started the national title game, was expected to compete for the starting job this season” wrote Fentress.
With Tyner now down for the season, more pressure is placed on Royce Freeman to repeat his freshman numbers (1,365 yards, 18 touchdowns).
Looking ahead to 2016, Tyner should immediately step back into his usual role once healthy. His absence may force Oregon to move Byron Marshall back to running back. Oregon is still the favorite in the Pac-12 North and will be in the mix for a College Football Playoff bid as long as Freeman, Marshall and whoever wins the quarterback battle – my guess, for now, is Jeff Lockie over Vernon Adams – can provide a consistent ground attack.
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Taj Griffin, a four-star true freshman, could also compete for carries.
