USC injury report: Michael Pittman still a week away from return (9/6)

Receiver Michael Pittman is still a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. Check out the USC injury report from the Stanford Wednesday practice.

While USC’s injury luck continues to remain on the positive side of the spectrum, there was unfortunate news on Wednesday as head coach Clay Helton confirmed receiver Michael Pittman is unlikely to return this Saturday.

Pittman has been out since the final week of fall camp when he suffered a high ankle sprain while practicing at the Coliseum. That injury kept him off the field for the season opener against Western Michigan and it will do the same this weekend with Stanford coming to town.

Helton said the receiver is still a week away, with a return possible ahead of the Texas game.

“If he was a lineman you would say he probably could go if needed,” Helton said. “But being a skill position and having to put that foot in the ground and make cuts, especially at wide receiver, I think it’s going to be hard.”

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), WR Michael Pittman (ankle), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
• Doubtful: S Bubba Bolden (knee)
• Questionable: WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring)
• Probable: OL Chuma Edoga (knee), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip)

Pittman did not suit up on Wednesday while the Trojans worked in shells, but he did catch passes from the quarterbacks during their individual drills. He was able to do some work running routes as well.

USC could use Pittman’s help as they look to fill holes left by JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers. In Week 1, the lackluster performance of the Trojan receivers was a talking point.

Freshman safety Bubba Bolden is also unlikely to see the field this weekend. He was held again on Wednesday and Helton said he is looking more doubtful.

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Besides Pittman and Bolden, USC’s injury news from Wednesday was good news.

Right tackle Chuma Edoga was a limited participant while he battles a knee bruise, but Helton indicated his progress was “promising.”

“We had a good day today health-wise, nobody really came off the field. Chuma looked better. Held Bubba again, he’s looking more doubtful. Chuma was promising.”

If Edoga cannot go, Helton said Andrew Vorhees and Clayton Johnston could step into his place. At the moment, Vorhees has the edge.

TRENDING: Grading the Trojans performance against Western Michigan

However, USC is preparing as though Edoga will play against Stanford.