USC Football Injury Report: Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Marlon Tuipulotu out for spring (3/6)

The first day of USC Football Spring Camp 2018 brought tons of injury news, including long layoffs for Daniel Imatorbhebhe and Marlon Tuipulotu.

There’s always excitement when USC Football gets back on the practice field for Spring Camp, but with the return to action comes the unfortunate return of the injury report.

Head coach Clay Helton had some disappointing news to report on a couple of Trojans who will miss all of the spring, including tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe and defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu.

Imatorbhebhe is being held out for the same reason he missed a long stretch of the 2017 season: a lingering hip issue.

“We’re making an investment to really try to get that muscle strain fully healed,” Helton said.

Tuipulotu will also be sidelined by a 2017 injury. The redshirt freshman had surgery to fix a high school back concern and will continue to rehab this spring. Helton said they hope to have him ready in time for Fall Camp.

USC Football Injury Report:

• Out for spring: LB Oluwole Betiku (hip), RB Stephen Carr (back), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (back)
• Out: OL Toa Lobendahn (knee), RB Vavae Malepeai (hamstring), OL Frank Martin (knee), S Marvell Tell (groin)
• Limited: CB Greg Johnson (shoulder), LB Tayler Katoa (knee), Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)

Helton also confirmed the injury absence of outside linebacker Oluwole Betiku and running back Stephen Carr, both of whom underwent surgery ahead of spring practice.

Carr’s surgery to fix a reported herniated disc went “extremely well,” per Helton, but he faces three months of rehab.

“We won’t bring him back until he’s 100 percent,” Helton said, reporting that Carr is already up and walking. He seems to be progressing well about three weeks after surgery.

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Along with the four who will miss all of spring, there were a number of Trojans who didn’t participate on the first day due to injury.

Center Toa Lobendahn is dealing with knee soreness and will be held out until after Spring Break next week. Guard Frank Martin has the same concern and time limit on his return.

Running back Vavae Malepeai and safety Marvell Tell will also have to wait for Spring Break to get back on the field in full. Malepeai has a tight hamstring and won’t be allowed to go full speed for a couple of weeks. Tell has a groin issue and the Trojans will be cautious with his return as well.

TRENDING: Predicting USC’s 2018 Depth Chart

Finally, a trio of redshirt freshman who missed 2017 with injuries will be eased back into action this spring. Cornerback Greg Johnson, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao and linebacker Tayler Katoa will be able to get reps, but will not have contact for the time being.