Should USC Football Risk Injured Players vs. Idaho?

With USC football entering Saturday’s game as heavy favorites over Idaho, should the Trojans consider holding off on the return of injured players as Stanford looms?

During fall camp, defensive lineman Claude Pelon sprained his knee and running back Justin Davis suffered bruised ribs. Both have returned to the practice field this week.

Meanwhile, Adoree’ Jackson strained abdominal muscled early against Arkansas State while receiver Steve Mitchell hurt his wrist.

Though USC has come out of the offseason unusually healthy, depth concerns remain. The Trojans’ tough Pac-12 schedule begins next week against Stanford, then ramps up with a road trip to Arizona State.

Here’s what the Reign of Troy staff thinks about resting injured players vs. Idaho:

Alicia de Artola, Editor

The beauty of platooning is that resting players can be a built in byproduct.

I would give Pelon some time on the defensive line but limit his snaps behind Greg Townsend. For starters, that would keep Pelon’s knee from being overly strained. Secondly, Pelon is an experienced enough player that getting Townsend as many reps before he takes on Stanford for the first time in his career should be the priority.

Davis, on the other hand, should probably get as many reps as possible to get up to speed for Week 3.

With negative x-ray’s on Mitchell’s wrist, there probably is no danger in getting him back out there for this game.

As for Jackson? Part of me suspects he wouldn’t let himself be rested even if they wanted to, but I would definitely keep him out of special teams reps for the time being.

Michael Castillo, Managing Editor

While you don’t want to risk injury with those guys, they need some playing time going into Stanford. That’s especially important for both Justin Davis and Claude Pelon, who missed the Arkansas State game.

With Adoree’ Jackson and Steven Mitchell, I would monitor their playing time and limit their activity, but still play them similarly to how USC used Marqise Lee vs. Cal two years ago.

Dustin Jacobs, Staff Writer

Yes. There’s no reason to be anyone questionable out there against what will be the easiest opponent on the schedule.

This is pre-season game number two, USC should treat it the way NFL teams do.

Sara Kakuris, Columnist

Jackson and Mitchell for sure. They both got a good warmup against Arkansas State and it’s not worth the risk.

If anyone could take a week off and still be a powerhouse, it’s Adoree’.

I think this would be a great game for Davis to get back into the groove without too much of a sudden game shock.

Nick Conley, Staff Writer

No, they should play them but keep them limited. They’re gonna get banged up during the season and they can’t always just take them out.

The reserves should be in the game by the third quarter anyway.