USC football injury report: Matt Fink nearly back (11/14)

Quarterback Matt Fink may be healthy enough to play by Saturday and more from the USC football injury report for Nov. 14.

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Little changed on USC football’s injury report between Tuesday and Wednesday, but head coach Clay Helton did update the status of backup quarterback Matt Fink.

Fink was back practicing in pads this week for the first time since breaking three ribs against Utah. However, Helton indicated he has remained under the umbrella of non-contact status. That wouldn’t restrict him from practicing since all quarterbacks are wear gold non-contact jerseys whether injured or healthy. However, as far as being able to play on Saturday, the jury is still out.

“He could play if needed but obviously the man had broken ribs three weeks ago, so I’m going to be very careful,” Helton said after practice on Wednesday.

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In addition to getting his body right after the injury, Fink is in the process of knocking off the rust that comes from three weeks without practicing.

Helton was pleased with two good days of practice from his redshirt sophomore quarterback, but a meeting with the doctors later in the week will ultimately determine Fink’s status.

If he is healthy enough to suit up on Saturday, the next question is whether or not he remains the backup to JT Daniels. In both Daniels and Fink’s absence, third-stringer Jack Sears stepped up and delivered a promising performance against ASU. Fink and Sears have split second-team reps this week as the coaches reevaluate the QB depth chart behind Daniels.

Though there were few new developments on the injury front Wednesday, the lack of practice time for a couple of key players could be telling as far as their availability this weekend is concerned.

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Defensive lineman Brandon Pili was unable to practice after hurting his ankle on Tuesday while Jacob Lichtenstein was able to participate on Wednesday despite being pulled from Tuesday’s practice as well.

Meanwhile, starting right guard Chuma Edoga remained out.