Oregon Fans Will Love This Running Back Injury Update

The Oregon Ducks got hit hard by injuries at the running back position during the College Football Playoff but there is some good news on the horizon.

Oregon redshirt sophomore Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs may have missed the second half of last season but he is trending up towards showing off more of his potential in 2026. As a freshman, Riggs reminded his teammates former Duck and current member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bucky Irving. Safe to say, his potential is high.

Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Da'Jaun Riggs (21) carries the ball during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Ducks running back coach Ra'Shaad Samples opened up on the talented running back and his comments indicate that Riggs’ absence didn’t stall his development, it may have accelerated it.

Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs Attacked Rehab

Riggs has been able to participate in a limited fashion at practice and Oregon coach Dan Lanning revealed they expect him to be "back" this spring.

Riggs is working his way back diligently and refused to fall behind while sidelined. Riggs was challenged to master the offense, communicate it, and effectively “teach it” from the meeting room. That type of growth that Samples discussed signals a player earning trust, along with reps.

“For Dink, the mental process has been really important, like his growth mentally. And I think he's taken a step growing mentally. Obviously, he had an injury. He had a couple injuries since he's been here. Just talking to that guy, how can you help yourself when you're not on the field, and guys are physically able to get better, you got to be in the backfield room,” Samples said.

New Oregon running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples talks with running back Jordan James during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex in Eugene, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Also very notable is a physical transformation for Riggs. Samples noted that Riggs has gained weight, gotten stronger, and continued progressing in the weight room, key factors for a player who already showed burst in limited action.

“You have to communicate the offense. You have to be able to teach it and regurgitate the same thing as I'm saying. And so, he's gained weight, he's gotten bigger, he's gotten stronger in the weight room, so that's just going to help him physically. He understands the offense. He's a really smart kid. Once he's able to go full and compete, and he's already out there, and once he's just back to his normal self, he's getting back to it. He's going to insert himself in that competition,” Samples continued.

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison (0) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Oregon's Running Back Competition

Riggs made the most of limited opportunities in 2025 and looks to push forward into a healthy 2026. Before his injuries, Riggs totaled 28 rushes, 168 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and totaled 66 yards on 10 carries combined against Oregon State and Rutgers.

Once healthy, Riggs is joining a talented running backs room that includes Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison. The position group does look a lot different as the Ducks lead back from 2025, sixth-year senior Noah Whittington is headed to the 2026 NFL Draft and Makhi Hughes transferred to Houston. Jay Harris (Kansas State) and Jayden Limar (Washington Hurkies) also entered the transfer portal. Incoming additions include Colorado Buffaloes transfer Simeon Price and freshmen Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith.

Riggs enters the healthy competition with a better sense of system and a more complete physical profile. The depth chart and the roles aren’t locked. If Riggs is healthy, he’s not buried, he’s competing with a bi opportunity on the horizon.

Oregon Ducks running back jordon davison da'jaun riggs dierre hill jr. eugene football nil dan lanning noah whittington. — Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Da'Jaun Riggs (21) picks up a first down during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The duo of Davison and Hill Jr. grabs a lot of headlines but don't overlook Riggs, who could be a key contributor for the dangerous group for the Ducks in 2026.

Oregon continues its spring football practices through April. The Ducks will have 15 practices in total, finishing with their annual spring football game in Autzen Stadium. Running backs will be a fun storyline to follow when the game kicks off on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. PT in Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network and admission to the game is free.

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