USC vs. Texas Injury Report: Porter Gustin, Shane Buechele in question

Both the Trojans and the Longhorns enter Week 3 with injury concerns, including Porter Gustin and Shane Buechele. Here’s the injury report ahead of USC vs. Texas.

Injury issues have begun to catch up with USC in Week 3, but they’re not alone in that regard as the opposing Texas Longhorns have an injury list just as long.

The Trojans’ biggest question mark hovers over outside linebacker Porter Gustin, who underwent surgery on his big toe on Wednesday. While the surgery involves a quick recovery time, the predator linebacker may not have the time necessary to get back on the field on Saturday.

He was held out of practice on Thursday and remains doubtful for the game with back up Connor Murphy expected to start in his place.

Thursday held better news for right tackle Chuma Edoga, who was able to practice with a cast on his strained wrist. The junior has fought through multiple injuries through the first two weeks and is expected to be ready to play through the pain this week as well.

If he can’t, freshman Andrew Vorhees is the next man up.

USC Injury Report:

Out for season: K Michael Brown (knee), LB Tayler Katoa (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)
Out: OLB Hunter Echols (hip), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), DL Liam Jimmons (ankle), OT Nathan Smith (knee), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (knee)
Doubtful: OLB Porter Gustin (toe)
Questionable: LB John Houston (neck), DL Jacob Lichtenstein (back), DL Jay Tufele (back), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring)
Probable: S Bubba Bolden (knee), OL Chuma Edoga (knee), DL Rasheem Green (toe), WR Michael Pittman (ankle)

It’s not clear if weakside linebacker John Houston will be able to do the same.

Houston suffered a stinger during USC’s Week 2 win over Stanford and has been battling neck soreness all week. He was a limited participant in practice through Thursday, though head coach Clay Helton said he had made progress.

His status is officially day-to-day, with Jordan Iosefa poised to get the start if Houston is unable to go on Saturday.

As for freshman defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu, his chances of playing through an MCL sprain this week appear slim. He missed the entire week of practice.

However, safety Bubba Bolden and receiver Michael Pittman appear set to suit up after missing Week 2.

Texas Injury Report:

Out for the season: TE Andrew Beck (foot), OL Patrick Hudson (knee)
Out: DB Eric Cuffee (wrist), TE Garrett Gray (knee), OL Elijah Rodriguez (ankle)
Questionable: DB Chris Brown (ankle), DL Andrew Fitzgerald (knee), WR Armanti Foreman (hamstring), RB Kirk Johnson (hamstring), OL Garrett Thomas (knee)
Probable: QB Shane Buechele (shoulder)

The biggest injury concern for Texas as they head for Los Angeles concerns quarterback Shane Buechele, who sat out the San Jose State game with a shoulder problem.

Buechele threw for nearly 3,000 yards in 2016, along with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

He was replaced by freshman Sam Ehlinger in Week 2 and now his status for Week 3 is up in the air.

On Thursday, Texas head coach Tom Herman said the quarterback had progressed through the week but was still feeling pain while throwing at times, per Horns247.

For now, Buechele will be a game-time decision.

Besides Buechele, the Longhorns have not had the healthiest start to the season.

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Both safety Chris Brown and defensive lineman Andrew Fitzgerald have been out since fall camp.

Cornerback Eric Cuffee and offensive linemen Elijah Rodriguez underwent offseason surgery, on the wrist and ankle respectively, and will miss the game.

The same goes for tight end Garrett Gray, who is out with a sprained knee. Along with captain Andrew Beck, the loss of Gray has made tight end a thin position for the Longhorns. Senior Kendall Moore stepped in against San Jose State as a primarily blocking option.

Meanwhile offensive linemen Patrick Hudson is out for the season after tearing his ACL in Week 2.

Wide receiver Armanti Foreman tweaked his hamstring against San Jose State but it does not appear to be a serious concern. It’s unclear if the same can be said for running back Kirk Johnson, who is also dealing with a hamstring problem.