Evan Stewart rehabilitating from knee surgery in Miami as Oregon Ducks open fall camp

EUGENE — Evan Stewart is away from the program as Oregon opens fall camp, but the Ducks receiver is expected to be back in Eugene at some point.

Stewart, who recently had surgery for his torn right patellar tendon, has been going through physical therapy in Miami.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Stewart will not be in Florida for the entire fall and planned to return to Eugene, “when he’s back.”

Stewart had 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. He is eligible to redshirt and could also seek a medical hardship waiver for an additional year of eligibility, though it’s unclear if he’ll pursue either.

Four of Oregon’s 10 other scholarship receivers are upperclassmen, including seniors Gary Bryant Jr. and Malik Benson.

“It’s very sad to see your brother go down but I will say as receivers that made everybody have to step up,” said Benson, whose 25 catches for 311 yards and touchdown at Florida State last season are most among this year’s receiving corps.

Bryant is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season and taking it upon himself to lead a young receiver room.

“I try to be there for him because it’s mentally frustrating when you can’t be out there with the guys and do what you love to do every day,” Bryant said. “He’s been doing great through his process so hopefully he can have a speedy recovery and get back with the guys. … Obviously he’s a big attribute to this team last year, but it’s the next person up and we can’t dwell on bumps on the road. When your play is called and your number is called, be ready for the opportunity.”

Who maximizes the increased opportunities over the next month could become one of the new top targets for quarterback Dante Moore, who noted the team’s youth and inexperience is naturally creating a competitiveness entering camp.

“Might as well get used to getting them players out there and playing,” Moore said. “E-Stew, of course, is a huge piece of this offense. But I feel like we have other playmakers as well to make sure we get there.”

— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten.