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Pinkard to play cornerback in Idaho game

Per the Daily News, Josh Pinkard will be starting as a cornerback against Idaho:

It looks like junior Josh Pinkard will start at cornerback against Idaho on Saturday after earning rave reviews from USC coach Pete Carroll.

"He's making dominant plays in practice," Carroll said.

Last year's starter, Cary Harris, is less than 100 percent following a hamstring injury suffered during training camp and has been forced to heavily tape his leg for practices. That helped open the door for Pinkard, a natural safety, who lost his spot to All-American Taylor Mays.

Pinkard tore knee ligaments last year in the season-opener against Arkansas and redshirted.

Despite Carroll's famous quote at the end of spring practice that Pinkard "is going to play at safety," he quickly transitioned to cornerback during training camp. Pinkard, who started part of the 2005 season at cornerback, spent a couple plays during Monday's practice at safety before quickly moving to cornerback.

Carroll spent several minutes after Monday's practice talking to Harris and his father, but they discussed his hamstring injury and whether he would be able to play this week. He might sit out in order to be 100 percent for the Nebraska game.

From the same article, the injury update:

Tailback Joe McKnight (sprained knee) did some work on the scout team and returned some punts but awaits medical clearance for contact.

Tailbacks C.J. Gable (groin) and Allen Bradford (hip, groin) also practiced and are on track to play. Wide receiver Travon Patterson (dislocated toe) also did some running but awaits clearance.

Offensive tackle Sam Baker (fractured rib) performed some drills but will play.

Sanchez out: Quarterback Mark Sanchez (fractured thumb) will not be available for the Idaho game Saturday. "If he had to play he could but he would be so sore it would mess him up the following week," Carroll said.