Oregon starting tight end Colt Lyerla did not make the trip with the team to Colorado this weekend; according to Ducks sports information director Dave Williford, it was a "coach's decision." Lyerla has had some issues with Mark Helfrich this season, and this suggests that he may still be stuck in the dog house as a result of them.
Lyerla didn't play in Oregon's romp over Tennessee last month -- wasn't even at the stadium -- but all Helfrich would say afterward was that the tight end missed the contest because of "circumstances." Lyerla didn't like the way Helfrich addressed his absence, and he wasn't shy about expressing his feelings on the matter. Lyerla said he was sick that week, and that he was told to stay home and recover.
After finishing third on the team last season in receiving yardage, Lyerla's presence has barely been felt this year -- he has just two receptions for 26 yards in three games.
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