USC Injury Report: Toa Lobendahn, Cameron Smith held (10/18)

Three key starters have been limited this week, with Toa Lobendahn, Rasheem Green and Cam Smith sidelined. Here’s the USC injury report for Oct. 18.

USC has spent the week preparing for Notre Dame with an eye towards managing the bumps and bruises carried throughout the Trojan lineup.

On Wednesday that came into even sharper focus with Toa Lobendahn and Rasheem Green held out entirely and Cameron Smith limited for a second day.

Lobendahn, who suited up again but did not do any work, is dealing with a pectoral injury. That’s a major concern as Viane Talamaivao’s season was ended by an injury in the same region last week.

Head coach Clay Helton said he expects Lobendahn back for USC’s Tuesday practice, which would be a sizable boost for the Trojans who only just got right tackle Chuma Edoga back in action.

Edoga was a full participant on Wednesday and should start on Saturday, leaving Lobendahn’s status as the only big question mark offensively.

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), DL Josh Fatu (concussion), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
Doubtful: RB Stephen Carr (foot), Damon Johnson (back/concussion)
Questionable: OL Toa Lobendahn (pectoral)
Probable: OL Chuma Edoga (ankle), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), Ronald Jones II (ankle), CB Isaiah Langley (illness)

Defensively, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is, Green and Smith were both held out this week as a preventative measure.

Green is still dealing with an ankle sprain while Smith is simply being managed through the wear and tear of the season.

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“There’s just times where guys need a day or two off to regroup and get over some bumps and bruises, to get their legs back,” Helton said.

Unfortunately, the good news ends there.

Starting nose tackle Josh Fatu did not practice because of a concussion sustained in a car accident. However, Helton admitted that his prospects do not look promising.

“He’s listed day-to-day but the reality is, probably next week,” Helton said.

True freshman Brandon Pili is slated to start in his place.

Helton also updated Porter Gustin’s status, confirming what was hinted at by his absence from practice this week. The MRI and CT scan on his toe and bicep showed he is not ready to return.

“When the doctors feel really good about it then we’ll move forward,” Helton said.

As for running back Stephen Carr, another day without practice also spells another week sitting out.

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