USC injury report: Michael Pittman doubtful for Western Michigan (8/29)

Wide receiver Michael Pittman is doubtful for the Trojan season opener on Saturday. Here’s the USC injury report from Western Michigan Tuesday practice.

USC Football is going to have to kick off the 2017 season without sophomore wide receiver Michael Pittman, who is likely to miss the opener while recovering from a high ankle sprain.

“I think he’s doubtful for the game to be honest,” head coach Clay Helton said after practice on Tuesday. “We’ll see how it goes later in the week.”

Pittman injured his ankle during USC’s first practice at the Coliseum two weeks ago. He didn’t suit up for practice on Tuesday, but traded in a walking boot for an ankle brace, showing some signs of progress.

USC Injury Report:

• Out for season: LB Tayler Katoa (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)
• Out: LB Matt Bayle (undisclosed),  OLB Hunter Echols (hip), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
• Doubtful: WR Michael Pittman (ankle)
• Questionable: DL Liam Jimmons (ankle), CB Isaiah Langley (quad)
• Limited: CB Je’Quari Godfrey (knee), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring)

A high ankle sprain also ended defensive lineman Liam Jimmons’ day early. The redshirt freshman could face a lengthy absence like Pittman with that injury, though the severity is not yet known.

Elsewhere on defense, cornerback Isaiah Langley was held out because of quad tightness, but he is not expected to miss extended time.

Receiver Keyshawn Young is still dealing with a hamstring injury, but Helton said he could return to full practice later this week.

There was good news on the injury front as well. Right guard Viane Talamaivao returned to action after sitting out last week with an ankle concern.

“It was great to have [Talamaivao] back,” Helton said. “He looked really good today. I anticipate him being ready for the game.”

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Something so definitive could not be said of tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe, at least not yet.

The redshirt sophomore participated in practice but still appeared limited by the hip flexor injury he has battled through fall camp.

“Daniel Imatorbhebhe got some really good work today,” Helton said. “I’m going to continue watching him through the week and make a decision later in the week.”

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If Imatorbhebhe can go, the Trojans will field an almost completely full-strength starting lineup on Saturday. If he can’t, USC will turn to co-start Tyler Petitie and back ups like Cary Angeline, Josh Fatu, Erik Krommenhoek and Austin Applebee to fill the void.