Fall Ball Takeaways: Offensive line faces attrition as Ducks enter practice No. 4

The Oregon Ducks may still be in the honeymoon period of fall camp, but they’re getting down to business with pads cracking. With that has come some minor attrition on the offensive line.

On Sunday, the Ducks put on shoulder pads for the first time and ramped up the physicality. That intensity continued on Monday with the fourth practice of the fall season.

While media members were allowed to watch stretching periods and limited drills in the first 15-20 minutes of practice, we once again saw some special teams periods and blocking drills while quarterbacks went through snaps and minimal throwing with specialists.

Here are some of our instant takeaways from the day at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex:

Absent Players

For the second-straight practice that media members were able to attend, offensive lineman Kanen Rossi was absent and unaccounted for. More importantly, veteran OL Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu was also absent from practice. It is unclear whether they are dealing with injuries or are away from the team for other reasons.

Banged Up Players

While the team was going through stretches to start the day, offensive linemen Michael Wooten and Faaope Laloulu were off to the side, partaking in stretches but at a half speed. Once again, Wooten walked into practice with a boot on his foot, although he was still in shoulder pads and a helmet.

QB-RB Pairings

To end the portion of practice that was open to the media, the Ducks ran what was called a “bracket drill” where two QBs lined up in the middle of the field, both flanked by a running back. There was a wide receiver spread out to the side, shadowed by a cornerback. The RB was covered by a defensive end or linebacker. Here are the pairings that I was able to see:

First Reps

• Ty Thompson/Byron Cardwell/Kris Hutson

• Bo Nix and Noah Whittington

Second Reps

• Ty Thompson and Sean Dollars

• Bo Nix and Bucky Irving

Offensive Line Matchups

Hat-tip to 247Sports Erik Skopil for this one. While the QBs were going through the bracket drill, the offensive line was on the adjacent field going through individual blocking matchups.

From the looks of it, this is how the matchups shook out:

• LT Josh Conerly vs. DL Casey Rogers

• LG Marcus Harper vs. DL Jordon Riley

• C Alex Forsyth vs. Air

• RG Ryan Walk vs. DL Keyon Ware Hudson

• RT Dawson Jaramillo vs. DL Brandon Dorlus

With Malaesala Aumavaie-Laulu absent from practice, it makes sense that the freshman Conerly would get an opportunity to step up. It should also be noted that OL TJ Bass was at practice and participating from what media members could see.

AD in Attendance

Not that it is at all out of the ordinary, but media members could see Oregon Ducks athletic director Rob Mullens having what looked to be a pleasant chat with Ben McKay, the Sports Science Coordinator for Oregon’s football team. The two stood on the sideline and watched the start of practice together while chatting.

Best Photos from Practice No. 4

Best Photos from Practice No. 4

Best Photos from Practice No. 4

Best Photos from Practice No. 4

Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire