Freshman running back Thomas Tyner did not play against Nicholls State on Saturday due to an ankle injury, but health doesn’t appear to be an issue for him going into the Virginia game on September 7. Running backs coach Gary Campbell says Tyner is close to full strength, although he didn’t say whether or not Tyner will play on Saturday. “I want him to be completely healthy, which I think he is now,” Campbell said. “We are just going to wait until next week.’’
Tyner will be joining a crowded backfield once he’s cleared to play. The first and second backs on the depth chart are De’Anthony Thomas and Byron Marshall, respectively, who both ran for over 100 yards against Nicholls State.
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Kyle Long didn’t have to wait long in his pro career to be named a starter. The former Oregon offensive lineman will be starting at right guard for the Chicago Bears in the first regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 8. Long was a highly-touted NFL prospect going into the 2013 draft, highlighted by the 4.93 second 40-yard dash he ran at the NFL Combine (fastest among guards and third-fastest among all offensive lineman). His performance helped him get selected 20th overall in the draft.
Long — son of Hall of Famer Howie and brother of St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long — only started five games for the Ducks in his career, all during last season. The five starts all came at the end of the season, including the Fiesta Bowl win over Kansas State.
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All-Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins signed a five-year, $55 million contract extension with the Bengals on Monday. The only defensive tackle who has signed a larger contract in NFL history was former Oregon star Haloti Ngata. Ngata signed an extension with the Ravens in 2011 worth $61 million over five years.
Atkins, 25, was due to become a free agent after the season, and the Bengals were reportedly negotiating a contract with him for several months. Last year, Atkins had 12.5 sacks and forced four fumbles for the Wild Card-winning Bengals.