When the Oregon Ducks defense trotted out for the opening drive against the Michigan Wolverines, there was a linebacker missing from the normal starting unit. Dylan Williams and Devon Jackson were out there, but Jerry Mixon was not.

He missed the entire game, with his status unclear as the Ducks dominated in a 31-7 victory over the Wolverines. After the game, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was asked about Mixon's absence.

According to Lanning, Mixon practiced all week but tweaked something during pregame warmups, leading the team to hold him out for precautionary reasons. Lanning then offered up some good news, as he believes Mixon will be fine moving forward.

Mixon is the Ducks' fourth-leading tackler with 42 in 2026, on pace to surpass his mark of 57 tackles as a junior a season ago. Along with recording 42 tackles, the 6-foot-2, 241-pound linebacker also two passes defensed and an interception.

In his absence, Oregon's linebacking crew had a strong day for the most part. They were nowhere to be found on Michigan running back Savion Hiter's 70-yard touchdown in the first half, but other than that breakaway score, they were nails. Jackson was his normal self in showing off his speed as he totaled seven tackles, while Williams led the team with 11 tackles. Sophomore linebacker Gavin Nix saw more time than usual with Mixon sidelined, tying for his career-high with four tackles.

While it's unclear how much this injury will impact Mixon, it appears that personnel close to the situation are optimistic about his status moving forward.