USC Football Injury Report: Cameron Smith, Ronald Jones II Miss Practice

The Trojans were without linebacker Cameron Smith and running back Ronald Jones II for spring practice No. 7. Here’s the USC football injury report.

On a day when head coach Clay Helton put the focus on developing the twos, a number of first team players sat out, giving opportunities to their back ups.

Linebacker Cameron Smith headlined that group on Tuesday, missing out because of a stiff neck coming out of USC’s scrimmage on Saturday.

Though it doesn’t appear to be a serious concern, there is no timetable for the junior’s return.

“We’ll see how long that goes,” Helton said of Smith’s prognosis.

Sophomore Jordan Iosefa stepped up into Smith’s role for the day, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

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: DL Kenny Bigelow (knee), RB Dominic Davis (concussion), C Nico Falah (back), LB Cameron Smith (neck), RB Aca’Cedric Ware (foot)
• Questionable: RB Ronald Jones II (toe), TE Tyler Petite (shoulder), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (groin)
• Limited: TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (shoulder)

Another trio of players were sidelined on Tuesday, including starters Ronald Jones II and Tyler Petite, plus recently converted wide receiver Keyshawn “Pie” Young.

Jones has a problem with his big toe while Petite is dealing with a shoulder injury and Young has a groin issue.

Helton said the trio tried to practice but had to be pulled. They will try again on Thursday, but there is also no timetable for their returns.

With Jones out and Aca’Cedric Ware’s continued absence due to a foot injury, redshirt freshman Vavae Malepeai enjoyed first team reps.

SEE MORE: Vavae Malepeai and Young Trojans Impress at Scrimmage

The Trojans should get a boost at the running back position on Thursday with the return of Dominic Davis.

Davis has been missing since the start of spring camp due to a concussion he suffered while playing basketball.

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“He’s getting caught up with some academic work as well as getting through that concussion protocol,” Helton said.

“We need him out here. We’re a little bit short running back-wise.”

USC is also short on tight ends at the moment with Petite’s absence, especially with fellow tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe still consigned to a yellow non-contact jersey. Redshirt freshman Cary Angeline saw more time with the first team as a result.

There was good news on the injury front on Tuesday as well, with receiver Deontay Burnett and linebacker Porter Gustin back in action.

Burnett missed Saturday’s scrimmage while it was Gustin’s first full practice of spring after offseason hand surgery.