Several key USC defenders reportedly sitting out practice, but one starter returns
USC’s defense is reportedly dealing with a few injury concerns as the team makes its way through fall camp.
At practice No. 10 on Tuesday, The OC Register’s Adam Grosbard reported that rush end Korey Foreman and defensive back Domani Jackson did not participate during the team’s practice. For Foreman, the situation is certainly worth monitoring after he missed most of last week’s practices, first with what coach Lincoln Riley called a prior commitment and then with an undisclosed injury.
Riley just recently talked up Jackson, though, so his situation seems to be a fairly new development. The team held its first scrimmage of fall camp over the weekend. Riley met with local reporters after Tuesday’s practice but wasn’t asked about injuries.
USC DE Korey Foreman, DB Domani Jackson, WR Kyle Ford and TE Josh Falo did not participate in practice today
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) August 16, 2022
The LA Times’ Ryan Karje also reported that Romello Height, the defense’s presumed starter at rush end, continues to sport a non-contact shirt in practices.
There is good news, though. According to Kartje, inside linebacker Shane Lee was a full practice participant after being limited last week. The Alabama transfer is expected to start for the Trojans at the Mike ‘backer spot.
With roughly two-and-a-half weeks to go before the season kicks off, the Trojans are looking to get healthy on defense. Riley did say, though, that in spite of a few marquee names missing time, the defense has given what’s expected to be a very good offense a run for its money during fall camp.
“We had about a three-day period where (the defense) really dominated the practices,” Riley said Tuesday. “Offense had a little bit of the upper hand in the scrimmage, made a few more big plays, but there was a lot on both sides.”