Optimistic updates from practice ahead of critical USC game

When fully healthy, it will be difficult for any other team in the nation to be able to match the productivity and full potential of the USC wide receiving room.

Although he wasn't able to play against Michigan State, Ja'Kobi Lane's absence against the Spartans showcased just how deep this position group is for the Trojans. At the time, it was not known how long Lane would potentially be out for.

Coach Lincoln Riley expressed optimism that the setback would not be long-term in nature, but he also made it clear that the wideout would potentially miss multiple matchups.

As reported on X, however, by USCFootball.com's Connor Morrissette, Lane suited up for practice on Tuesday. This does not necessarily mean that he will be ready to go for the USC game this Saturday; it does tend to suggest, though, that Lane is closer to making his return than not.

Important return for USC

Another player who trotted out to the field in full pads and made a return to practice was Alex Graham. This is arguably more important, even though Lane offers a dynamic presence on offense. The noticeable weakness of the team to this point has been in the secondary.

It is a position group that needs bodies and is yearning for someone to step up to help ensure that the rotation and where players play are ideally at their most natural positions.

Considering how the DBs have looked early on, the true freshman could foreseeably end up carving a big role for himself through only one or two big performances. His status is unofficial to this point as well in terms of whether he will be able to play against Illinois, but this too is an encouraging sign that suggests that he is going to be able to make an appearance during the roughest stretch of USC's schedule.