USC Injury Report: Zach Banner Doubtful vs Colorado (10/5)

USC offensive lineman Zach Banner is doubtful to play against Colorado after missing the Trojans Wednesday practice with an ankle injury.

Banner was held out Wednesday, his second missed practice of the week and fifth since injuring his ankle against Utah two weeks ago.

The redshirt senior didn’t play for USC against ASU on Saturday and appears likely to miss another game for the Trojans, who host Colorado this weekend.

Though Banner was described at 90 percent by the head coach ahead of the ASU game, Helton indicated that there was no set back.

“He’s able to run and change direction but a 316-pound man pushing other individuals, that’s where he’s struggling right now,” Helton said after practice on Wednesday.

Banner faces the unique problem linemen often face when dealing with lower body issues. Though he got a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection in hopes of speeding up the recovery, Helton was not confident in it working quickly enough to have him ready by Saturday.

“A big man with an ankle sprain, sometimes it takes awhile,” said Helton.

With Banner uncertain, Chuma Edoga and Jordan Simmons continue to split reps in his place at right tackle.

Simmons got the start last Saturday but both are expected to play in place of the injured captain.

USC Injury Report:

• Out for the season: DT Kenny Bigelow (knee)
• Out: RB Vavae Malepeai (shoulder)
• Doubtful: OT Zach Banner (ankle), S Ykili Ross (shoulder), LB Jabari Ruffin (concussion)
• Questionable: TE Taylor McNamara (back)
• Probable:  RB Dominic Davis (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (shoulder), RB Aca’Cedric Ware (hand)

USC may be without another veteran starter against the Buffaloes. Tight end Taylor McNamara sat out his second practice of the week as well, dealing with a lower back strain.

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McNamara is close to a return, Helton said. However, his ability to play versus Colorado will be determined later in the week.

If McNamara cannot play, sophomore tight end Tyler Petite could be in line for the second start of his career while Florida-transfer Daniel Imatorbhebhe would be in line for significantly more playing time.

Meanwhile, safety Ykili Ross and linebacker Jabari Ruffin remain doubtful for Saturday with a shoulder injury and concussion, respectfully.

With Ross out, freshman safety Jamel Cook worked with the second team defense while Oluwole Betiku saw second team action at outside linebacker in place of Ruffin on Wednesday.