EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Oregon coach Mark Helfrich confirmed Thursday that the third-ranked Ducks will be without star cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu when they face Jameis Winston and Florida State in their playoff game Jan. 1.
Helfrich acknowledged the senior, a first-team All-America selection, won’t play after he was injured during a noncontact drill Tuesday.
“Very unfortunate for him,” said Helfrich, who wouldn’t disclose the nature of the injury.
A person with knowledge of the injury told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Ekpre-Olomu hurt his right knee. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the program does not discuss injuries.
Ekpre-Olomu has been a cornerstone of the Ducks’ secondary with 63 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups this season, and is widely considered among the top cornerbacks for next year’s NFL draft.