There was speculation as to whether Oregon’s record-setting running back Royce Freeman would risk his current NFL draft status by participating in Saturday’s Las Vegas Bowl against Boise State. And although Freeman’s participation in practices this week had led to hopes of an appearance, new head coach Mario Cristobal confirmed Thursday that Freeman has chosen not to play for risk of injury.
While disappointing to Duck fans, the move can’t really be described as shocking. Just last year, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey sat out the Sun Bowl and was eventually selected 8th overall in the NFL draft.