USC Football Injury Report: Scrimmage Pushed Back For Health (3/30)

A number of injuries prompted the Trojans to push back Saturday’s planned scrimmage by a week. Here’s the USC football injury report:

USC football will not be scrimmaging as planned on Saturday. Thanks to a rash of injuries, head coach Clay Helton announced on Thursday that the Trojans won’t scrimmage again until next Saturday.

“Right now going into practice No. 9 with a bunch of injuries, I’d like to get some health and really have a good scrimmage,” Helton said after practice at Howard Jones Field.

Those injured include starters like linebacker Cameron Smith, running back Ronald Jones II and center Nico Falah, who all sat out on Thursday.

USC Injury Report:

• Out for spring: CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), C Toa Lobendahn (knee), WR Steven Mitchell (knee), OT Nathan Smith (knee), WR Trevon Sidney (hip)
• Out: C Nico Falah (back), RB Ronald Jones II (toe), LB Cameron Smith (neck), RB Aca’Cedric Ware (foot), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (groin)
• Questionable: LB Tayler Katoa (knee), S C.J. Pollard (ankle), OL Viane Talamaivao (elbow)
• Limited: DL Kenny Bigelow (knee), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (shoulder), TE Tyler Petite (shoulder)

With starting right guard Viane Talamaivao picking up an elbow injury, back up safety C.J. Pollard tweaking his ankle and the likes of tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe, running back Aca’Cedric Ware, and receiver Keyshawn “Pie” Young still limited, the Trojan ranks have been greatly thinned out.

There’s now a particular concern at linebacker as well. Early enrollee Tayler Katoa suffered a knee injury on Thursday and will await MRI results to know the extent of the damage.

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

It’s unfortunate to deal with so many injuries, but the absences have opened up opportunities for others.

Running back Vavae Malepeai has taken valuable reps with the first team in place of Jones and Ware, as has linebacker Jordan Iosefa with Smith out.

SEE MORE: Vavae Malepeai Soaks In Details, Opportunities

As usual, there was some good injuries news to report on Thursday. Running back Dominic Davis was back in action after missing the start of camp with a concussion.

Defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow also made his return, though he will continue to be held out of live action as he makes his comeback from last year’s ACL injury.