USC Football News: Antwaun Woods Tweaks Chest

Sep 13, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (99) on the sideline dejected during the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. The Boston College Eagles won 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

USC football news from this season has not included many of the major injury problems of other programs around the nation but the Trojans do face some mounting troubles in terms of health. The biggest of those concerns: Antwaun Woods.

Woods left practice Wednesday after tweaking his chest, Steve Sarkisian updated after practice.

There is not news as to the severity of that “tweak,” but it should be treated with caution since Woods underwent surgery at the end of the season last year to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

This is just the latest way the nose tackle has been banged up as well. Woods was limited against Stanford due to a shoulder problem and though he suited up in Tempe, he did not play when the Trojans downed ASU.

Woods is the closest USC has to a true nose tackle, considering his back up, Cody Temple, is more bandaid than natural fit in that position. Jacob Daniel may eventually develop into Woods’ heir-apparent, but pushing the freshman into that spot at this point seems premature.

Elsewhere on the injury front, the Trojans lost practice warrior Christian Tober for an extended period due to a broken clavicle he suffered on Tuesday. Tight end Taylor McNamara rolled an ankle and left practice early but there does not appear to be too much concern over that injury.

Receiver Darreus Rogers remained out, as did lineman Jordan Simmons.

On the positive side of things, cornerback Kevon Seymour continues to increase his involvement as he returns from a knee injury.

Though not an injury concern, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster missed practice for the second straight day for personal reasons which Sarkisian would not elaborate on. With no timetable for his return, Smith-Schuster’s status is one to watch.

Bye Week Experiments

The coaches are taking advantage of the bye week by giving the likes of guard Toa Lobendahn and running back Dominic Davis to get in work in different spots on offense.

“When you get in the bye week that’s a chance to move some guys around so that’s what we’re trying to do,” Sarkisian said.

Lobendahn played at center, which is probably his natural position, while Davis spent a lot of time with the wide receivers.

Davis notably did not get into the game against ASU.

On Tuesday, freshmen and back ups got extra reps. That continued today as Sarkisian noted that threes were able to get a lot of work in as well.

Tidbits

USC will now take two days off from practice before returning on Saturday. During that time the coaches are slated to get some recruiting done.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman signed his financial aid agreement with the Trojans and plans to join the Trojans as an early enrollee. Sarkisian described Pittman as a physical presence who can make an impact receiving and blocking.
When asked who could compare to Adoree’ Jackson, Sarkisian said he can only think of one player — but he’s not supposed to mention his name around USC.
Sarkisian said he was impressed by Kenny Bigelow’s progress after missing so much time. His return has helped the Trojans depth

More from Reign of Troy

Home/USC FOOTBALL NEWS