USC football in the NFL: Injury bug hits handful of Trojans before Week 2 games

USC football players balled out in Week 1, but injuries could sideline a handful of former Trojans.

The injury bug would normally be hitting USC football hard around this time of year. But the Trojans are playing on Saturdays so it seems the menace has turned its attention to a load of Projans.

Five ex-USC players in the NFL will be out or are in danger of missing Week 2 action this weekend.

Steelers’ tackle Zach Banner is the most serious. He is on IR with the brutal knee injury he sustained on Monday night.

Former USC football players on the NFL Week 2 injury list:

Neck injuries threaten to keep two former Trojan big men out of action this week.

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Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith is officially listed as questionable with a neck injury which kept him out of practice on Friday.

The story is similar but more dire for Seahawks defensive end Rasheem Green. He hasn’t been able to practice all week and appears on the injury report as “doubtful.”

Meanwhile, Michael Pittman’s timing is pretty unfortunate. On Thursday, he picked up a toe problem which will make him a game-time decision on Sunday against the Vikings. With starter Zach Pascal dealing with an ankle injury, Pittman could get the opportunity to start if he can fight through.

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Don’t expect to see Adoree’ Jackson suit up for the Titans after missing Week 1. He remains on injured reserve with a knee injury.

USC in the NFL news and notes

• Browns linebacker Malcolm Smith is set to start in his second game with the team.
• Sam Darnold won’t have running back La’Veon Bell or wide receiver Jamison Crowder available to help get the Jets offense back on track in Week 2. Both are out injured.
• The Ravens picked up tight end Xavier Grimble for their practice squad. Grimble had been dropped by the Steelers before the season started.