Oregon QB Roper out 2-4 weeks

Sep 15, 2008 - 6:41 PM EUGENE, Oregon (Ticker) -- Oregon coach Mike Bellotti once again will have to scramble to find a quarterback.

Justin Roper, the starting quarterback in each of the Ducks' first three games this season, has a partially torn ligament in his left knee and will be sidelined two to four weeks.

Bellotti announced the injury during his teleconference Sunday, one day after 12th-ranked Oregon's 32-26 overtime victory at Purdue.

A redshirt sophomore, Roper suffered a partial tear of his medial collateral ligament late in the thrilling contest. It marks the second injury this year for Roper, who also sustained a concussion in the season opener against Washington.

Oregon (3-0) has had no less than four quarterbacks sustain injuries since Heisman Trophy candidate Dennis Dixon went down with a season-ending knee injury in a Week 10 loss at Arizona last year.

Dixon's backup, Brady Leaf, suffered an ankle injury, forcing Roper into service for the Ducks' 56-21 Sun Bowl victory over South Florida. It was Roper's only previous start before this season.

Nate Costa won this year's starting quarterback job in training camp only to suffer a torn ACL and undergo season-ending surgery earlier this month.

Both sophomore transfer Jeremiah Masoli and freshman Chris Harper have taken snaps in backup duty behind Roper this season. Bellotti has not named his starter for next Saturday's game against Boise State.

"Both have strong attributes and bring different strengths to the table," said Bellotti, who revealed that both Masoli and Harper will play against the Broncos. "We can capitalize on their assets."

Masoli has been the better passer, completing 16-of-28 attempts for 193 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two games. Harper, on the other hand, is more mobile and has rushed for 102 yards and two TDs on just 20 carries.

Roper has completed just under 52 percent of his passes for 484 yards, two TDs and four interceptions.