EUGENE — Oregon returned to the football field after three days away due to five positive antigen tests that forced the cancellation of Saturday’s scrimmage, which were subsequently ruled false positives.
Mario Cristobal discussed the Ducks’ return to practice and the testing.
Below are initial live updates from Cristobal’s press conference.
MARIO CRISTOBAL
— Tests deemed false positive “We have resumed normal operations ever since then.”
— Says “it took about a day or so” to get sorted out
— On canceled scrimmage: “Can’t really cram another 130 plays throughout the rest of your schedule.” Some of practice was live today.
— Team has “thorough walk-through” Monday night for players who didn’t test positive
— “I guess the first thing hits you is a dose of reality, what’s going on around the world (and) the college football world.” Trusts in processes and individuals with all protocols, keeping athletes healthy. “Really pleased with the urgency with which this matter was handled with and at the same time the results that we had.”
— On Saturday “guys really wanted to play that night” heading into the second scrimmage. But “dose of reality also serves as a great lesson.” Says for Oregon it “ended up being a fire drill.”
— Says there is a plan for coaching staff in event a coach tests positive, could depend based on game plan and what each coach has to handle that week.
— Believes there’s a process for rapid PCR result on game day in event antigen test comes back positive.
— Timeline for naming QB: “Naming one, I think that’s more important with the outside world than internally.” Tyler Shough still with the starters, Anthony Brown is still in running. Jay Butterfield has taken majority of No. 3 reps.
— Jonah Tauanu’u was banged up but is expected to return to practice “within the next 3-4 days”
— Sampson Niu’s status is still being left unsaid as he deals with personal issue
— Isaac Townsend and Jake Shipley are “both doing extremely well.” Neither had been mentioned much to date in camp but they’re fine.
— On new starting OL: “It’s clearing up.” Feel they have four guys that can play tackle, fifth in emergency. At least 3 centers, possible 4th. 5 guards and potential 6th “in a pinch.”
