Pro Ducks: Troy Franklin emerging; Jordan James injured

Andrew Nemec

Pro Ducks: Troy Franklin emerging; Jordan James injured image

Thursday proved to be a newsworthy day for former Oregon Ducks in the NFL.

During a joint practice, Denver Broncos teammates and former Oregon Ducks Bo Nix and Troy Franklin connected on several big-time plays.

Franklin, who stunningly slid to the fourth round in last year's draft, has been a standout in camp so far and may turn into a steal for the Broncos.

The former Oregon Duck star is battling to lay claim to Denver's WR2 spot behind Courtland Sutton.

"Guys mature as they get more experience," Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi said. "He's certainly playing faster and making more plays. We're real excited about him. He's really stood out."

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Jordan James is battling to be the primary back-up behind star Christian McCaffrey.

But his push to claim that spot are temporarily on hold, as he has a broken finger that will require surgery, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.

James will be out a few weeks.

 

Andrew Nemec

Andrew Nemec has covered high school sports and the recruiting landscape for more than a decade, with an emphasis on the former and current Pac-12 footprint. Nemec, who hosts his own radio show on ESPN-affiliate 1080 The FAN in Portland, Oregon, is a graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication.