USC Injury Report: Viane Talamaivao likely out vs. Oregon State (10/3)

Viane Talamaivao is likely to miss the Oregon State game while several key Trojans missed practice Tuesday. Here’s the USC injury report for Oct. 3.

USC started their preparation for Oregon State in earnest on Tuesday and it looks like injuries will play an important role in game prep once again this week.

The Trojan offensive line offers the biggest question marks with right guard Viane Talamaivao and right tackle Chuma Edoga sitting out.

Talamaivao suffered a pectoral injury during USC’s loss to Washington State and his status does not look good for this week. The lineman will receive word on an MRI soon, giving more clarity to his long-term prognosis, but the short term picture is fairly clear.

“I believe he will be definitely out for this week,” head coach Clay Helton said after practice Tuesday.

Freshman Andrew Vorhees took over first team reps without Talamaivao in the lineup.

USC Injury Report:

• Out for season: K Michael Brown (knee), CB Greg Johnson (shoulder), 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), OL Viane Talamaivao (pectoral)
• Questionable: RB Stephen Carr (foot), DL Malik Dorton (knee). OL Chuma Edoga (ankle), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), WR Jalen Greene (concussion), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), LB Jordan Iosefa (concussion), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (knee)
• Probable: WR Deontay Burnett (shoulder), CB Jamel Cook (illness), DL Josh Fatu (knee), LT Toa Lobendahn (infection), WR Steven Mitchell (groin)

The Trojans are also unlikely to have the services of running back Stephen Carr, who injured his foot against the Cougars. The freshman is in a walking boot and Helton described him as “day-to-day” but “doubtful” for Saturday’s contest.

There were several other USC players who missed out on Tuesday and remain questionable for the weekend.

Defensive lineman Rasheem Green did not suit up as he deals with an ankle and shoulder injury.

Lineman Marlon Tuipulotu also sat out with the same back injury which caused him to miss the game on Friday.

Defensive linemen Malik Dorton and Josh Fatu were able to practice with knee sprains, but they were limited.

Cornerback Greg Johnson was absent as he awaits season-ending shoulder surgery.

Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga did not practice because of an ankle sprain. Clayton Johnston and Austin Jackson shared reps in his place at right tackle.

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

Linebacker Jordan Iosefa and receiver Jalen Greene remain in concussion protocol and did not practice.

As expected outside linebacker Porter Gustin and tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe remained sidelined, though the later was able to run outside for the first time in weeks.

Finally, defensive back Jamel Cook was out with bronchitis.

Nickelback Ykili Ross started practice returning kicks with the special teams unit, but he went to the trainers table midway through practice.

On the positive side of things, USC was able to get a full practice of participation from left tackle Toa Lobendahn, who missed the Washington State game with a staph infection.

Wide receiver Steven Mitchell was also back on the field. He is expected to be cleared to play this Saturday, Helton said.