USC vs. Western Michigan Injury Report: Daniel Imatorbhebhe probable

The Trojans should have two key starters, Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Viane Talamaivao, available for the season opener. Here’s the injury report for USC vs. Western Michigan.

After missing most of fall camp, tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe is on track to play when the Trojans take on the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Head coach Clay Helton updated the status of the star tight end after practice on Thursday, telling reports he expects him to contribute during Game 1.

Imatorbhebhe isn’t the only starter whose fitness was in question going into gameweek, but is now on track to play. Right guard Viane Talamaivao, who missed time during the Trojans mock gameweek because of an injured ankle, put in a good week of practice and is expected to start against Western Michigan.

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)
• Probable: TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), WR Joseph Lewis (finger), Viane Talamaivao (ankle)
• Suspended: LB Cameron Smith (1st half)

Western Michigan Injury Report:

• Out for the season: N/A
• Out: N/A
• Questionable: DL Steven Clark (eligibility)
• Probable: N/A

USC could also have cornerback Isaiah Langley available on Saturday despite the groin problem which saw him sit out practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Helton said he was able to get back on the field on Thursday, but will need to continue to show progress on Friday.

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Helton also updated the status of Joseph Lewis, who came out of practice on Wednesday with an apparent hand injury. The freshman receiver got his finger caught in a facemask, but with just a minor sprain he should be ready to go on Saturday.

On the opposing sidelines, injury news is limited but the Broncos are awaiting word on the eligibility status of defensive line transfer Steven Clark.

The former Syracuse lineman transferred to Western Michigan after he was medically disqualified by medical personnel for the Orange due to a genetic blood disorder, according to MLive.com.

Despite the diagnosis, Clark received second and third-opinions from other medical professionals declaring it safe for him to play. The Broncos hope the NCAA will award Clark a waiver to play immediately because he was barred from playing at Syracuse, but they still await a decision.