USC football injury report: Cameron Smith in doubt (10/11)

Linebacker Cameron Smith is “50-50 at best” for the Trojans clash with Colorado. Here’s the USC football injury report for October 11.

USC football could be without one of their best players on defense when they face off with Colorado on Friday at the Coliseum.

Following Thursday’s practice, head coach Clay Helton revealed linebacker Cameron Smith is “50-50 at best” with a mild hamstring strain.

The senior was pulled from practice on Wednesday and left with ice on his right hamstring. That same strain kept him from action on Thursday.

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“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow but it wasn’t ready today,” Helton said.

Smith is USC’s leading tackler and arguably the Trojans’ best player, period. That would make his potential absence a major concern as they look to gain control of the Pac-12 South against Colorado.

Adding to that concern, true freshman Palaie Gaoteote is the player most likely to be tapped to stand in for the veteran. He took first team reps in Smith’s place on Wednesday.

“If called upon, him and Reuben Peters, I know, will do a great job for us at that spot,” Helton said. “He’s ready to go if called upon.”

Helton credited Gaoteote with taking full advantage of the bye week and growing greatly over the last five weeks, but his biggest test would certainly come on Saturday if Smith cannot go.

The rest of USC’s injury news from Thursday was more positive.

Center Toa Lobendahn practiced after missing Wednesday with back spasms.

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Linebacker Porter Gustin, who is dealing with an ankle injury, was able to get more work in on Thursday, according to Helton. However, his status will be determined more clearly on Friday.

The same goes for defensive lineman Jay Tufele. A passenger in a car crash over the bye week, the redshirt freshman has been held out of practice all week. Helton expects to hear from the doctors on Friday as to whether or not he will be cleared to play.

USC Football Injury Report

• Out for the season
  • LB Tayler Katoa (LDS Mission)
  • DB Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)
  • K Chase McGrath (knee)
• Out
  • OL Bernard Schirmer (neck)
  • TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (quad)
  • LB Oluwole Betiku (hip)
  • LB Solomon Tuliaupupu (foot)
  • DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart (ankle)
  • Questionable
    • OL Clayton Bradley (back)
    • QB Jack Sears (back)
    • DL Jay Tufele (accident)
    • LB Cameron Smith (hamstring)
    • LB Raymond Scott (hand)
    • Probable
      • OL Toa Lobendahn (back)
      • RB Stephen Carr (illness)
      • DL Malik Dorton (ankle)
      • DL Brandon Pili (toe)
      • LB Levi Jones (illness)
      • LB Porter Gustin (knee)

      Fellow defensive lineman Brandon Pili is expected to play after x-rays came back negative on his injured toe. He was stepped on during practice on Wednesday and lost a toe nail. Though sore, he was able to participate on Thursday.

      Inside linebacker Levi Jones also made a return to practice. He missed the better part of a week with illness but is set to bolster USC’s depth behind John Houston at weakside linebacker this weekend.