USC vs. Cal Injury Report: Trojan and Bear starters in doubt

Major fitness questions abound for both the Trojans and the Bears as Saturday’s game approaches. Here’s the injury report ahead of USC vs. Cal.

USC’s injury list was looking just a little bit more positive on Thursday, but the Trojans are still crossing their fingers, hoping for the best when it comes to who will suit up on Saturday.

After eight starters sat out Tuesday’s practice, Clay Helton reported on Thursday that defensive lineman Rasheem Green and nickelback Ajene Harris returned to action. Both “looked good,” per the head coach, but they will have to wait and see if the duo will play this weekend.

If Green is out, USC will turn to Christian Rector, who made the strip in overtime which made the victory over Texas possible.

Even if Harris plays, Helton said he expected him to be somewhat limited. Back up nickelback Ykili Ross should see playing time either way as a result.

Since outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and inside linebacker John Houston were back on the practice field on Wednesday, that leaves predator linebacker Porter Gustin, wide receiver Steven Mitchell, running back Ronald Jones II and tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe as the remaining starters still sitting out.

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), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), WR Steven Mitchell (groin) OT Nathan Smith (knee)
Questionable: OLB Juliano Falaniko (knee), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), 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)

Imatorbhebhe’s status remains unchanged, which is no surprise, but Helton did not have good news on Gustin.

“I think it’s gonna be a little time,” Helton said of his junior linebacker.

Gustin was able to play a half against Texas despite undergoing toe surgery just days earlier. However, the aggravation of that injury along with a torn bicep could be too much for him to tough his way through.

With Mitchell and Jones II remaining status quo with a groin and ankle injury respectively, their participation against Cal is also increasingly in doubt.

If Mitchell is absent, the Trojans could receive a boost with the return of sophomore Michael Pittman. After being able to practice this week as he comes back from a high ankle sprain, things are looking up for the receiver.

CHECK OUT: USC vs. Cal By the Numbers

“I don’t know if he’s a hundred percent but he’s really close to it, so I’ll lean on the doctors. If they clear him then we’ll ask the player how he feels and what he wants to do and then make a decision from there,” Helton said. “He wants to go, I know that he’s begging.”

USC can be reasonably certain that right guard Chuma Edoga will go on Saturday. While he started the Texas game with a club on his injured wrist, Edoga was pulled in the second half. He told Helton he was doing much better this week and has transitioned from the club into a soft cast.

Meanwhile, defensive Marlon Tuipulotu appears close to a return, according to Helton. He was able to practice this week without issue and has a good chance to be cleared by doctors.

Cal Injury Report:

Out for season: RB Tre Watson (knee)
Questionable: LB Jordan Kunaszyk (undisclosed), DL Tevin Paul (undisclosed), WR Demetris Robertson (undisclosed), LB Cameron Saffle (undisclosed)

The big question mark for Cal as they prepare for USC is the fitness of wide receiver Demetris Robertson, who was a late scratch for the Ole Miss game with an undisclosed injury.

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Head coach Justin Wilcox would not update Robertson’s status for Saturday. As a former five-star recruit, No. 1 receiver in the 2016 class and Freshman All-American, his presence or absence could be a major factor for both sides.

One certainty is that Cal lost running back Tre Watson for the season after he sustained a knee injury against Weber State. Watson was the Bears’ second-leading rusher in 2016. He had 83 yards in two games as he shared the backfield with Vic Enwere in the first two weeks.

With Watson out, the Bears leaded on Patrick Laird, along with Enwere, in Week 3.

Against Ole Miss, Cal also found a way to win without linebackers Cameorn Saffle and Jordan Kunaszyk, along with defensive lineman Tevin Paul.

It is unclear if any of those three will be back for the USC game.

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