EUGENE – No. 1 Oregon Ducks got a crucial part of its defense back on Oct. 3 against Michigan. Senior defensive end Jordan Burch returned to the field after nearly a month out with a knee injury suffered in practice before Oregon’s game against Ohio State.

“I was doing a drill, my foot stuck in the ground and I had a little injury. It took a minute to figure out what was going on. When they told me what it was and that I would be out for a few weeks, I knew I was going to be fine,” Burch explained. “I was a little sad, but I knew my guys had my back. I wasn’t worried about what was going to happen.”

Burch was a dominant force at Oregon’s defense throughout the Ducks’ first five games of the season. Prior to his injury, Burch had 22 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss, with a career-high five sacks and four pass breakups.

Burch was also fresh off a 2.5 sack game against Michigan State and was ready to face Ohio States offense. However, he would not get the chance, as he was injured in training and ruled out for the match. Burch wouldn’t see the field again until the Ducks’ last game at Michigan. The 6’6″, 275-pound lineman finished the game with 31 snaps, three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in Oregon’s 24-17 win over last year’s national champions.

At times, Burch didn’t look 100 percent healthy during Oregon’s recent win over Michigan. Does he feel 100 percent healthy?

“I think I’m ready now,” Burch said Tuesday. “I’m in rehab. I’m practicing now. Everything will be fine in the future.”

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning has always preached a “next man up” mentality, encouraging players lower on the depth chart to be ready because their moment could come at any moment.

In Burch’s absence, sophomores Teitum Tuioti, Mateo Uiagalelei and Jaedon Moore stepped up for Oregon’s defense.

“They did pretty well. I already knew they were going to do it. I didn’t think there was going to be a fall at all. We always talk about ‘next man up.’ I knew there wasn’t going to be a fall,” Burch said.

no. 1 Ducks and Burch gear up to face Maryland on Saturday, November 9. With Burch’s return, Oregon’s defense is expected to provide a revamp strength and intensity as they push toward the postseason.