Oregon star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux departed with a sprained left ankle during the No. 11 Ducks’ season opener against Fresno State on Saturday.
Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said X-rays were negative.
“We’re very optimistic it’s nothing too serious,” Cristobal said in his postgame press conference after the 31-24 home victory.
The severity of Thibodeaux’s injury will be watched closely with the Ducks slated to visit No. 4 Ohio State next Saturday.
Cristobal said another Oregon player rolled up on Thibodeaux’s ankle.
“Kayvon’s injury was certainly something you don’t want to see happen for anybody,” Cristobal said. “It hurts us considerably on the edge.”
The elite pass rusher was injured late in the first quarter. He was seen on the sidelines in the third quarter without his uniform and sporting a walking boot on his left foot/ankle.
Thibodeaux had a sack before exiting to raise his career count to 13 in 22 games. He forced a fumble on the play that was recovered by teammate Mase Funa.
Thibodeaux is expected to be a high pick in the 2022 NFL Draft if he elects to leave school.