Both the L.A.Times and the OC Register have stories to day on the possible season ending back injury to linebacker Chris Galippo. Galippo has had some back problems since high school that he re-aggrivated in training camp.
From the LAT:
Galippo joined junior Brian Cushing (ankle), who will miss the Washington game and possibly more, and freshman Malcolm Smith (hip), who has not practiced this week.
Senior Thomas Williams is expected to start at strong-side linebacker in place of Clay Matthews, who broke his left thumb against Nebraska and injured his right shoulder against Washington State.
Matthews will play against Washington, but the top-ranked Trojans are experimenting with various combinations to offset the dual threat posed by Washington quarterback Jake Locker.
"Basically, everyone is moving around," middle linebacker Rey Maualuga said.
Wolf is reporting that Galippo has a herniated disc. If true and if it requires surgery it would be similar in nature to the surgery that John David Booty had in early 2006. As we can all see Booty has done just fine. The talk of surgery on Galippo's back has yet to be confirmed.
It was also reported earlier in the week that Brian Cushing will miss at least 3 more games with his ankle injury.
Officially, Cushing, who re-sprained the ankle last weekend, is doubtful only for Saturday's game against Washington.
"It will be a haul to get back (this week)," USC coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday.
However, sources said Cushing believes it is a serious sprain that would keep him out of USC's next three games. Cushing underwent an MRI amid fears he cracked a bone in his ankle, but so far his injury is only classified as a sprain.
Ankle sprains are always tricky and they are easy to re-injure.
Matt Spanos is also looking to get clearance to play as he continues to improve from his torn Triceps, so he should hear the final word today. I saw inthe papers earlier this week that Spanos is putting surgery off on his injury. couple of thoughts on that, if its a muscle tear you would let that heal. If it is a tendon avulsion that requires surgery then he will likely miss spring ball as that surgery requires an augmentation to the repair leading to a longer healing time. The worst case scenario would be a tendon transfer, usually from the Latisimusdorsi mucsle in the torso. I have been told that this a career ending type of surgery, so I don't think that is the road they are looking at. whichever route he takes his rehab will be extensive.
Clay Matthews is dealing with both a broken thumb and a sprained AC Joint (shoulder) but he is expected to play on Saturday.
Cary Harris is out for the game against Washington after his shoulder dislocation. No real shock about Harris as I thought all he talk about his playing this week was nonsense. I wouldn't expect him to play for a few more weeks and I wouldn't expect him to get into full contact for a while either.
The USC team doctors and trainers must have a long line outside their offices.