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Senior Viane Talamaivao is expected to be out for the remainder of the spring season with elbow surgery Tuesday. The surgery was required to repair a partially torn bicep, which occurred during a drill in the third week of spring practice.
The 6’2 315 pound offensive guard from Moreno Valley, CA is returning for his fourth season straight as a starting guard. While the injury is untimely, especially after Taylor Katoa’s torn ACL last week, coach Clay Helton said he expects Talamaivao to start the season opener (September 2nd vs Western Michigan). However, Talamaivao will have to undergo minor rehab after the surgery.
Talamaivao is an extremely vital piece to this USC offensive line, especially after losing three key starters in Zach Banner, Chad Wheeler, and Damien Mama. With 32 career starts under his belt, Talamaivao not only brings experience but leadership to a key position on the field. Talamaivao has seen action in every game during his career at USC with exception of one against Oregon his sophomore year due to a sprained knee. He is expected to be cleared for full contact for the beginning of fall training camp.