Is Jordan James playing today vs Wisconsin? Oregon running back status explored

Running back Jordan James and the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks are looking to continue their undefeated season against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. However, coming off a 39-18 win over the Maryland Terrapins, the Ducks suffered some injuries.

Notably, James suffered an unspecified injury during the Maryland game on Saturday, which limited his playing time. Listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, it is now unclear whether he will be available for the Ducks (10-0) in their upcoming game against the Badgers (5-4).

Oregon will release its final injury report two hours before the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff against Wisconsin, at which point it will likely be clear whether James will be available. If not, Noah Whittingham is expected to fill in as his replacement.

Coach Dan Lanning on Jordan James' injury

During the Maryland game, all but one of Jordan James' carries came in the first half, with his final carry at the start of the third quarter, after which he did not play and Whittingham took over. Dan Lanning spoke briefly about James and defensive end Jordan Burch who is also recovering from an injury:

"Early in the week we’ll take a lot off of them and then see how they feel, but I anticipate that we should be able to see them back." [H/T Sports Illustrated]

He also spoke about limiting James' playing time against Maryland:

"I'm not exactly sure where he's at. I think you could have gone back in, but we're being pretty conscientious of where he was." [H/T Sports Illustrated]

Based on these comments, it appears the coaching staff was being cautious by holding Jordan James out of the second half. The Ducks led 21-10 at halftime, so the staff may have felt they did not need him to secure the victory. He did, however, set the pace by giving his team an early 7-3 lead in the first quarter with a 3-yard rushing touchdown.