LOS ANGELES - Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was carted off the field and taken to a hospital by ambulance during Saturday night's game against USC, after a hit from Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II left him down for several minutes.
Moore was sliding to end a scramble in the second quarter when Stephens struck him high, driving his head into the turf. Stephens was ejected for targeting, and a brief scuffle broke out between both teams before medical staff placed Moore in a neck brace and stretchered him off.
A team spokesperson said Moore had movement in all of his extremities and was being evaluated at a nearby hospital. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning called it "a disgusting play" after the Ducks' 41-27 win, but gave an encouraging update afterward: "He's moving, he has the ability to move, so we'll continue to assess him."
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped in and led Oregon to a touchdown two plays later, with Raiola and receiver Evan Stewart holding up five fingers - Moore's jersey number - in a show of support.
Off the field, Moore has been open about his faith shaping how he plays. He's shared that he prays before every meal and before taking the field, and has said his purpose on the team is "to glorify God."
His Instagram bio identifies him as a "Follower of Christ," and he's said Scripture reading has become part of his daily routine over the past year and a half.
As Oregon fans wait on further word from doctors, many are simply asking for prayers for Moore's full recovery.
