USC football injury report: JT Daniels remains in concussion protocol (10/23)

Quarterback JT Daniels remains in concussion protocol, but many on USC football’s Sunday injury list were able to practice on Tuesday.

Less Practice? More Tape?. PRACTICE NOTES

USC football’s injury update after the ASU Tuesday practice was largely position, except for the two most important positions on the field.

At quarterback JT Daniels was unable to practice on Tuesday, still awaiting clearance from concussion protocol. That protocol involves passing different tests from doctors each day.

Encouragingly, Daniels has passed the tests he has been given so far, according to head coach Clay Helton. However, his ability to play on Saturday will come down to his performance in those tests as the week progresses.

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“It’s going to be up to the doctors,” Helton said, though he did acknowledge Daniels would start regardless of missed practice time as soon as he is cleared.

If Daniels is unable to go, third-stringer Jack Sears would take the reigns with backup Matt Fink sidelined by a trio of broken ribs. If Sears gets into the game, it will be his first taste of college action.

Across the way, USC’s picture at middle linebacker is still muddled by Cameron Smith’s lingering hamstring injury, an issue which cost him an outing against Colorado and saw him pulled after one series against Utah.

The senior suited up on Tuesday, but spent the day working on his own with a trainer. He appears headed for another late week evaluation.

Other injury news from the day was more positive.

Cornerback Olaijah Griffin and nickelback Jonathan Lockett were able to return to practice coming off a shoulder and hip injury respectively. The latter was limited somewhat, but Lockett was able to fill in completely for starter Ajene Harris, who was given time off to mourn his father’s passing on Friday.

At running back, Aca’Cedric Ware was able to practice through a sore shoulder. Brandon Pili and Christian Rector also worked through shoulder injuries while Malik Dorton practiced on his nagging ankle injury.

Linebacker John Houston and Jordan Iosefa dressed but were limited. The same goes for safety Marvell Tell, though his counterpart Talanao Hufanga was full go.

USC Injury Report

Out for the season
- LB Porter Gustin (ankle)
- LB Tayler Katoa (LDS Mission)
- DB Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)
- K Chase McGrath (knee)
Out
- QB Matt Fink (ribs)
- TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (quad)
- DL Caleb Trembaly (foot)
- LB Oluwole Betiku (hip)
- LB Solomon Tuliaupupu (foot)
- DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart (ankle)
- DB Chase Williams (knee)
Questionable
- QB JT Daniels (concussion)
- OL Jacob Daniel (knee)
- LB Cameron Smith (hamstring)
- DB Olaijah Griffin (shoulder)
- DB Jonathan Lockett (hip)
Probable
- RB Aca’Cedric Ware (shoulder)
- OL Clayton Bradley (back)
- DL Malik Dorton (ankle)
- DL Brandon Pili (shoulder)
- DL Christian Rector (shoulder)
- LB John Houston (hand/rib)
- LB Jordan Iosefa (shoulder)
- DB Talanoa Hufanga (back)
- DB Marvell Tell (wrist)

Backup offensive lineman Jacob Daniel was held out with a knee injury while tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe, defensive lineman Caleb Tremblay, outside linebacker Oluwole Betiku, inside linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu and defensive backs Isaac Taylor-Stuart and Chase Williams remained out.

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