Oregon Without Tight End Colt Lyerla vs. Tennessee

September 22, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla (15) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Per ABC sideline reporter Jeanine Edwards, Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla is not in action for Saturday’s Pac-12 vs. SEC showdown against the Tennessee Volunteers.

Edwards said on the ABC game broadcast Lyerla did not participate in pregame workouts. He may be among six Ducks reportedly suffering from a stomach virus.

Lyerla was expected to have an increased role in the Duck offense this season, but has just two receptions for 26 yards through Oregon’s first two games. Head coach Mark Helfrich and offensive coordinator Scott Frost have used Lyerla at both tight end and fullback. In the latter role, he has three carries and a touchdown.

With Lyerla out of the lineup, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota started just 2-of-7 passing on the Ducks’ first two possessions.