USC Injury Report: Day-to-day veterans expected to play (11/14)

The Trojans are holding out key veterans from action ahead of UCLA, but all are expected to contribute. Here’s the USC injury report from Nov. 14.

A number of Trojans were held from action as USC began preparations for UCLA on Tuesday, but the injury situation in Troy is looking up as a whole.

Defensive lineman Rasheem Green and outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu suited up for practice, but both were limited in their involvement.

Green worked with a trainer on the sideline during individual work and did not participate in team periods as he continues to deal with a shoulder complaint. Liam Jimmons and Malik Dorton worked with the first team in his place.

Nwosu’s ankles were heavily taped but he was limited through most of the day. An ankle sprain kept the captain from practicing at all last week, so his presence was at least progress.

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 (redshirt), OT Nathan Smith (knee), RB James Toland (shoulder)
• Doubtful: OLB Porter Gustin (toe)
• Questionable: OLB Connor Murphy (hip)
• Probable: DL Rasheem Green (shoulder), CB Iman Marshall (knee), K Chase McGrath (groin), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (ankle), TE Tyler Petite (shoulder), DL Christian Rector (hand)

Jordan Iosefa, Oluwole Betiku and Christian Rector, with his clubbed hand, saw first team action at outside linebacker on Tuesday.

Tight end Tyler Petite did not dress for practice because of a shoulder injury, covered by Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Erik Krommenhoek, while kicker Chase McGrath will continue to be held to limit the strain on his groin injury.

Helton said all four injured starters are “day-to-day” but he is “expecting all of them to be ready by Saturday.”

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Another starter is continuing to ease back into action, but the prospects of cornerback Iman Marshall reclaiming his first team spot just yet is not a certainty.

Last week Helton indicated that Marshall, who missed the ASU and Arizona games with a sprained his MCL, could help the Trojans against Colorado, but his playing time was limited. He is practicing once again this week with a brace on his knee and the head coach noted his returning confidence.

However, Helton would only commit to Marshall contributing against UCLA. Considering Clancy Pendergast’s affinity for limiting substitutions, it will remain to be seen just how much gametime Marshall sees.

TRENDING: Four Lessons from Colorado to Use vs. UCLA

Outside linebacker Connor Murphy was back in pads for the first time this week after missing time last week with a hip pointer.