USC football injury report: JT Daniels 50-50 at best (10/25)

On Thursday, quarterback JT Daniels was declared “50-50 at best” for Saturday’s matchup with ASU. Here’s the USC football injury report for Oct. 25.

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It now appears more likely than not that USC football will be quarterbacked by Jack Sears against ASU on Saturday.

Starting quarterback JT Daniels has missed every day of practice so far this week while waiting to clear concussion protocol. On Thursday he was able to throw to receivers during the “routes on air” period but he was not yet cleared for contact, head coach Clay Helton said.

“Right now with it being late in the week and still not cleared, it’s 50-50 at best if he’s even cleared and it’s probably leaning more towards not,” said Helton.

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Sears has taken first team reps throughout the week with both Daniels and backup Matt Fink injured. Fink suffered three broken ribs while subbing in for Daniels against Utah.

If he gets the start, it will not only be the first of his career, but Sears will also be taking his first collegiate snaps period.

Both Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin said this week they have simplified their game plan with Sears likely to play, hoping to give him only what he can handle at this stage in career.

The aim is to also highlight his particular skillset, which includes more mobility than Daniels. Fink’s legs benefited USC in Salt Lake City and Sears’ could play a similar role at the Coliseum with true running and scrambling ability.

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 (knee)
- LB Oluwole Betiku (hip)
- LB Cameron Smith (hamstring)
- LB Solomon Tuliaupupu (foot)
- DB Olaijah Griffin (shoulder)
- DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart (ankle)
- DB Chase Williams (knee)
Questionable
- QB JT Daniels (concussion)
- TE Tyler Petite (shoulder)
- OL Jacob Daniel (knee)
Probable
- RB Aca’Cedric Ware (shoulder)
- OL Clayton Bradley (back)
- OL Chuma Edoga (knee)
- 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 Jonathan Lockett (hip)
- DB Marvell Tell (wrist)

Daniels is not the only key starter who is now likely to miss the ASU game. On Wednesday, Helton indicated that middle linebacker and senior captain Cameron Smith was in serious doubt for action while continuing to deal with a hamstring injury and fluid in his surgically repaired knee. The Trojans will start true freshman Palaie Gaoteote in his place for the third consecutive game.

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