USC Injury Report and Practice Notes: Uchenna Nwosu back (9/20)

Uchenna Nwosu was back in action as the Trojans prep for the first road game of the year. Here’s the USC injury report and practice notes for Sept. 20.

USC’s injury situation didn’t change much after the Trojans’ Wednesday practice ahead of the Cal game, but at least it didn’t get worse.

A slew of players remained out on hump day, including receiver Stephen Mitchell, running back Ronald Jones II, defensive end Rasheem Green, outside linebacker Porter Gustin and nickelback Ajene Harris.

On the plus side, outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu was able to suit up and participate in practice after missing out on Tuesday. The senior wore a brace on his knee thanks to an MCL sprain, but his presence was a much needed boost for the Trojans.

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), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
• Questionable: OLB Juliano Falaniko (knee), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), DB Ajene Harris (knee), LB John Houston (neck), DL Liam Jimmons (ankle), RB Ronald Jones II (quad/ankle), WR Joseph Lewis (abdominal), DL Jacob Lichtenstein (back), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring)
• Probable: OL Chuma Edoga (wrist), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (elbow/MCL), WR Michael Pittman (ankle), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (knee)

Another boost? Inside linebacker John Houston saw more time as he recovers from neck stiffness stemming from a stinger versus Stanford. The Trojans also had defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu and receiver Michael Pittman out on the field with an increased workload.

As for the rest, they’re still listed as day-to-day and it’s anyone’s guess who will and won’t be available for the Trojans on Saturday.

News and Notes:

• With so many injured out, Ykili Ross, Malik Dorton and Oluwole Betiku worked with the first team defense.
• On offense, Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman were boosted into the first team with Mitchell out. Stephen Carr saw a great deal of work due to Ronald Jones II’s absence.
• The Trojans had the loud speakers out to pipe in noise as they prep for their first road game of the year.
• Freshman tight end Erik Krommenhoek worked with the ones at times, but he dropped an easy pass from Sam Darnold at one point. He later caught a first down conversion during a third down 7-on-7 period.
• Safety Bubba Bolden got a hand on a kick attempt by Reid Budrovich, but despite the contact, the kick went through the uprights.
• Nickelback Ykili Ross intercepted quarterback Jack Sears during 11-on-11 near the end of practice.
• Head coach Clay Helton said that Chase McGrath’s game-tying and game-winning field goals against Texas could affect the way they make decisions on whether or not to kick or go for it on fourth down. McGrath built his confidence with those kicks and the more confidence he gains, the more confidence they gain in him, Helton said.