USC injury report: Daniel Imatorbhebhe is at 95 percent (8/30)

Tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe is at 95 percent as the Trojans prepare for the season opener. Check out the USC injury report from Western Michigan Wedneday practice.

USC Football can expect Daniel Imatorbhebhe to suit up on Saturday, after seeing more action during Wednesday’s practice on Howard Jones Field as he recovers from a hip flexor injury.

“I’ve talked to him. He feels about 95 percent, so he’s in an area where he can help us hopefully Saturday,” head coach Clay Helton said after practice.

There is an argument for holding Imatorbhebhe out until he is 100 percent and full speed.

As one of quarterback Sam Darnold’s favorite targets in the latter half of the 2016 season, Imatorbhebhe could be critical part of USC’s passing game this year. But having him healthy for the rest of the Trojans’ 2017 slate could be worth limiting him on Saturday.

At the very least the tight end will be available against Western Michigan if needed, Helton reports.

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), DL Liam Jimmons (ankle), OT Nathan Smith (knee), OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring)
• Doubtful: WR Michael Pittman (ankle), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring)
• Questionable:  CB Isaiah Langley (quad)
• Limited: CB Je’Quari Godfrey (knee), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip),

Right guard Viane Talamaivao is also an increasingly sure-thing for Saturday. He had a second-straight full day of practice on Wednesday and should be good to go against Western Michigan unless there is a set back with his injured anke.

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One player who will certainly not take the field on Saturday is defensive lineman Liam Jimmons. The redshirt sophomore suffered a high ankle sprain on Tuesday and came to practice with his foot in a walking boot.

USC didn’t get out of Wednesday’s practice without some injury concerns. Wide receivers Joseph Lewis and Josh Imatorbhebhe both came off the field and were attended to by trainers in the middle of practice.

Helton did not update their status but Imatorbhebhe finished practice on the sideline with his pads off.

Lewis seemed to hurt his hand or wrist and was seen leaving practice on a cart. However, he returned with his pads on, but did not return to action.

TRENDING STORY: 5 Things To Watch For vs. Western Michigan

Both Lewis and Imatorbhebhe are competing for playing time in USC’s wide receiver rotation, so an injury scare for either is less-than ideal.