USC vs Arizona Injury Report: Zach Banner, Nick Wilson Probable

Running back Justin Davis has been ruled out for the Trojans, but they’ll welcome back offensive lineman Zach Banner. Here’s the injury report for USC vs Arizona.

It’s good news, bad news for USC as they get set to face Arizona in Tucson. The Trojans will have offensive tackle Zach Banner back and ready to go against the Wildcasts. However, they will certainly be without starting running back and leading rusher Justin Davis.

Davis suffered a high ankle sprain against Colorado and is expected to miss a few weeks. With a bye coming up, the Trojans will buy some time to get him back before the November slate begins, but he will not be available to help USC in the desert.

Replacing Davis are Ronald Jones II and Aca’Cedric Ware, who tweaked his ankle during practice this week. Luckily for USC, that ankle concern does not appear serious enough to limit him on Saturday.

Banner’s return comes after two missed games due to an ankle sprain as well. In Banner’s absence Chuma Edoga and Jordan Simmons split time. However, a sore knee for Simmons could see him miss this week as Banner comes back.

Along with Banner, the Trojans are expecting to have tight end Taylor McNamara after he missed the Colorado with a back strain while a host of other players who are dealing with minor knocks should be available.

Starting inside linebacker and captain Michael Hutchings missed time during practice this week, forcing freshman Jordan Iosefa into the first team line up. However, he is likely to play.

Nickel back Jonathan Lockett has also been dealing with a shoulder injury but is expected to take the field to continue his strong midseason form.

USC will also welcome back outside linebacker Jabari Ruffin, who has missed last week’s game with a concussion.

Safety Ykili Ross was back on the practice field this week as well and see action this week.

USC Injury Report:

Out for the season: DT Kenny Bigelow (knee), C Toa Lobendahn (knee)
Out: RB Justin Davis (ankle), DL Noah Jefferson (academics/shoulder), RB Vavae Malepeai (shoulder)
Questionable: S Ykili Ross (shoulder), OT Jordan Simmons (knee)
Probable: OT Zach Banner (ankle), ILB John Houston (knee), ILB Michael Hutchings (shoulder), CB Jonathan Lockett (shoulder), TE Taylor McNamara (back), OLB Jabari Ruffin (concussion), RB Aca’Cedric Ware (ankle)

Arizona Injury Report:

Out for the season: TE Brion Anduze (knee), LB Jacob Calacion (knee), LB Cody Ippolito (knee), RB J.J. Taylor (ankle)
Out: FS Isaiah Hayes (concussion), OL Keenan Walker (suspension)
Doubtful: QB Anu Solomon (knee)
Questionable: QB Brandon Dawkins (concussion), DL Parker Zellers (knee)
Probable: DL Luca Bruno (foot), FB Jamardre Cobb (knee), OL Freddie Tagaloa,
WR Shawn Poindexter (ankle), RB Nick Wilson (ankle)

On the opposing sideline, the Wildcats will be without key players as they host the Trojans.

First choice quarterback Anu Solomon remains out this week with a knee injury he suffered in Week 1. Back up Brandon Dawkins was knocked out of last week’s contest with Utah because of a concussion and doesn’t appear likely to be cleared in time to face USC.

That leaves freshman Khalil Tate in control of the Wildcat offense this week.

In addition to a strong corps of receivers, Tate will have redshirt junior Shawn Poindexter back on the field after an ankle injury sidelined him for the last two weeks.

Tate will also be helped having running back Nick Wilson available on Saturday. The junior has missed most of the last four games for Arizona after leaving the Hawaii game in the early goings with an ankle injury. He did not play against Washington or Utah and was limited against UCLA.

Fullback Jamardre Cobb will boost the Arizona rushing attack as well with his return from a knee injury.

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On defense, the Wildcats have concerns at linebacker and safety where Cody Ippolito and Isaiah Hayes will miss the contest. Ippolito suffered a season-ending knee injury against Utah while Hayes is going through concussion protocol.

With Ippolito out, Michael Barton has moved into the starting role at middle linebacker. Jarvis McCall Jr will hold down the starting job at free safety in Hayes’ absence.

The return of Luca Bruno from a foot problem should shore up the defensive line with the redshirt junior backing up starting defensive tackle Sani Fuimaono.

Meanwhile, starting nose tackle Parker Zellers, who has missed three games with a knee injury could be in line to play this week though his status is still questionable.

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