USC vs. Cal Injury Report: WR Tyler Vaughns questionable

USC vs. Cal may not feature at least one key playmaker, with Tyler Vaughns set to be a game-time decision. Meanwhile the Bears are getting QB1 back.

Last week, USC faced the prospect of playing without one of its best wide receivers, Michael Pittman, because of an ankle injury. Instead the Trojans got a great performance out of him against ASU.

They are hoping for some similar luck this week as they prepare to face Cal with wide receiver Tyler Vaughns hobbled by an injured ankle.

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Vaughns suffered the injury late in the ASU game and was held out of practice on Tuesday. He was able to suit up and participate on Wednesday and Thursday.

Head coach Clay Helton conceded the wide receiver “didn’t look himself all the way” on Thursday, making him a game-time decision for Saturday.

There is also expected to be a game-time decision for running back Vavae Malepeai. However, fellow rusher Stephen Carr is a bit further ahead in his return from a hamstring strain and is expected to play. That is unless he suffers a setback on Friday, Helton said.

A couple of Trojan defenders are preparing to return to action this week too. Defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu has been able to practice after missing out over the weekend. Nickelback Greg Johnson sat out last game with a concussion but has been medically cleared for action.

That said, a number of others are set to sit out. Linebacker Palaie Gaoteote has been unable to practice because of knee and ankle issues.

Meanwhile, Helton officially ruled out linebacker Jordan Iosefa for the remainder of the season after he underwent another surgery to correct a knee injury.

USC football injury report

• OUT FOR THE SEASON:
  • DB Max Williams (foot)
  • DL Jacob Lichtenstein (calf)
  • LB Jordan Iosefa (knee)
  • LB Solomon Tuliaupupu (foot)
  • OLB Hunter Echols (shoulder)
  • OL Andrew Vorhees (foot)
  • QB JT Daniels (knee)
  • WR Munir McClain (knee)
  • WR Bru McCoy (illness)
• OUT:
  • LB Palaie Gaoteote (ankle/knee)
  • LB Tuasivi Nomura (undisclosed)
  • OL Clayton Bradley (undisclosed)
  • OL Liam Jimmons (elbow)
  • OL Brett Neilon (calf)
  • RB Markese Stepp (foot)
  • TE Ethan Rae (knee)
• QUESTIONABLE:
  • DL Caleb Tremblay (undisclosed)
  • RB Vavae Malepeai (knee)
  • WR Tyler Vaughns (ankle)
• PROBABLE
  • DB Greg Johnson (concussion)
  • DL Marlon Tuipulotu (back)
  • RB Stephen Carr (hamstring)
  • TE Erik Krommenhoek (stinger)

Cal football injury report

• OUT FOR THE SEASON:
  • DB Miles Williams (upper body)
  • LB Myles Jernigan (upper body)
  • LB Chinedu Udeogu (lower body)
  • OL Will Craig (lower body)
  • OL Gentle Williams (lower body)
• QUESTIONABLE:
  • WR Nikko Remigio (undisclosed)
  • WR Ricky Walker III (undisclosed)
• PROBABLE:
  • QB Chase Garbers (shoulder)

Cal got their good news on Friday when Chase Garbers was named as the starting quarterback after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury.

Unfortunately for the Bears, there are some questions on their injury list.

Second-leading receiver Nikko Remigio, who has also been an outstanding kick returner, remains questionable. He also missed Cal’s win over Washington State.