USC Injury Report: Car accident sidelines Josh Fatu (10/17)

A multi-car accident has defensive lineman Josh Fatu listed day-to-day with a concussion. Here’s the USC injury report from Oct. 17.

Just as it seemed USC’s injury luck was turning around, misfortune struck again.

Starting nose tackle Josh Fatu was involved in a multi-car accident this week, head coach Clay Helton reported on Tuesday. As a result, he is going through concussion protocol and is now listed as day-to-day.

With Fatu out, USC went through most of Tuesday’s practice with true freshman Brandon Pili taking first team reps. Pili only just had his redshirt burned two weeks ago after back surgery sidelined Marlon Tuipulotu for the season.

Further complicating matters, defensive lineman Kenny Bigelow is stepping away from the playing side of football to serve as a coach and mentor for the Trojans. With all those absences, true freshman Jay Tufele also saw time with the first team.

USC Injury Report:

• Out for season: DL Kenny Bigelow (retirement), K Michael Brown (knee), CB Greg Johnson (shoulder), LB Tayler Katoa (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder), OL Viane Talamaivao (pectoral), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (back), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring/redshirt)
• Out: OLB Hunter Echols (hip), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
• Questionable: RB Stephen Carr (foot), DL Josh Fatu (concussion), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), Damon Johnson (back/concussion)
• Probable: OL Chuma Edoga (ankle), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), Ronald Jones II (ankle)

There was hope for USC to get outside linebacker Porter Gustin and running back Stephen Carr back ahead of the Notre Dame game, but neither was able to practice as the Trojans kicked off preparations for the Irish.

Gustin is due to undergo an MRI and CT scan on his torn bicep and broken toe to see how the two injuries are progressing. He was at practice on Tuesday, but with a boot still on his injured foot.

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A foot injury also continues to sideline Carr. The running back did not suit up for practice and his status for the weekend remains unknown.

Meanwhile, the Trojans held out middle linebacker Cameron Smith and left tackle Toa Lobendahn.

Lobendahn is dealing with a pectoral strain. Helton did specify if Smith was held for rest or an injury.

With Lobendahn out of the lineup, true freshman Austin Jackson worked with the first team. Jordan Iosefa stepped in for Smith.

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In good news, right tackle Chuma Edoga returned to action on Tuesday and tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe once again suited up and practiced.

Defensive lineman Rasheem Green was also in action, though his work was limited. Liam Jimmons stepped into the first team lineup late in practice.

As for running back Ronald Jones II, who Helton said is still undergoing rehab on his sprained ankle, the junior was a full participant on Tuesday.