USC defensive back Max Williams left Saturday’s game against Notre Dame in the first half in tears.

After missing the Colorado game, Williams returned to the field last week against Arizona and supplied four tackles. On Saturday against the Fighting Irish, Williams was knocked out of the game with an injury and helped to the USC medical tent. When he returned to the USC sideline, he was in street clothes.

In his absence, Bryson Shaw will take back over at safety.

Williams is a 5-foot-9 senior from Carson, California.

After missing the 2021 season with an injury, he returned last year and led the Trojan defense with 79 total tackles. He added two forced fumbles, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, and five pass breakups.

Shaw has been up-and-down this season.

The 10th-ranked Trojans (6-0, 4-0 Pac-12) are facing off against the 21st-ranked Fighting Irish (5-2) on NBC.