USC Football Injury Report: Michael Pittman has nose surgery (8/13)

Wide receiver Michael Pittman underwent surgery to fix a broken nose, while a number of Trojans returned to action. Here’s the USC football injury report for August 13.

Michael Pittman was already on the USC football injury report with an AC shoulder sprain he suffered last week. Now there’s another issue keeping him off the practice field.

The wide receiver underwent nose surgery to fix a prior break, head coach Clay Helton said on Monday. He is set to miss at least a week while he recovers, simultaneously giving his injured shoulder time to heal.

Aside from Pittman’s new concern, the injury news coming out of USC was uncharacteristically positive on Day 9.

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Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote successfully underwent surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his knee and now faces a two-to-four week rehab, similar to Porter Gustin.

Even better news at linebacker was the limited return of Cameron Smith, who was able to participate in warm ups and walkthroughs for the first time in a week.

“He’s getting close,” Helton said.

Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga was more than close on Monday, returning to the lineup after missing most of last week with tightness in his hip.

With Edoga back in action, the Trojans were able to rest left tackle Austin Jackson, who tweaked his ankle during Saturday’s scrimmage. Helton was hopeful of bringing him back in a couple of days.

Kicker Chase McGrath also made his return on Monday, kicking for the first time since being given a break to protect a lingering groin concern.

USC Football Injury Report:

• Out for the season: LB Tayler Katoa (LDS Mission)
• Out: LB Oluwole Betiku (hip), LB Palaie Gaoteote (knee), LB Porter Gustin (knee), WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (ankle), OL Austin Jackson (ankle), LB Levi Jones (ankle), TE Erik Krommenhoek (hamstring), DL Jacob Lichtenstein (calf), WR Michael Pittman (nose/shoulder), S Ykili Ross (hamstring), WR Jake Russell (hamstring), LB Cameron Smith (hamstring), LB Solomon Tuliaupupu (foot)

A couple new players joined Jackson on the sideline along with a host of other previously injured players. Wide receiver Keyshawn “Pie” Young sat out along with running back Markese Stepp.