USC injury update: LB Mason Cobb questionable to play vs. Utah State

One of the key components to the USC football team's resurgent defense, linebacker Mason Cobb, may not be available to play against Utah State on Saturday night. That's according to head coach Lincoln Riley who revealed the news on Thursday.

"Yeah, Mason's been limited for us this week," Riley said. "He hasn't been a full participant in practice. He'll be questionable for the game. Just kinda see how he moves around today and obviously we got a little extra recovery time now with the later kick so we'll see...it'll be close."

Cobb is coming off of a strong performance in his 2024 debut against LSU. He racked up seven tackles and an interception in the 27-20 win.

That performance was the 15th time in Cobb's career (which began at Oklahoma State) in which he's had seven or more stops in a game. Of course, he's been one of USC's most important defenders since arriving. He made 85 tackles (7.0 for loss) a season ago, his first as a Trojan.

If Cobb can't play, versatile Eric Gentry will likely take his place. That's what Riley indicated the plan might be.

"If he's not able to go," Riley said, "we certainly still have Eric and Easton [Mascarenas-Arnold] obviously. That next group of guys, you know, Desman Stephens, Raesjon [Davis], you know, Newby, Madden, that group, you know, it would be a combination of all of those guys if Mason's not able to go.

"Obviously, hope he can. But if he can't, it'll be exciting to see some of those guys get an opportunity."

Certainly, few people believe that the defense won't be able to handle Utah State even if Cobb isn't able to play. In fact, some would prefer that he sit out this week and have two full weeks to heal before the team opens up Big Ten play at No. 10 Michigan. However, Cobb's status is something to watch as the week moves closer to game time against the Aggies.