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According to a report from USCfootball.com starting left tackle Toa Lobendahn did not make the trip up to Pullman with the USC Trojans and will not play in tonight’s game against the Washington State Cougars. Lobendahn had practiced all week, but according to the report he allegedly has a staph infection and did not travel with the team.
Austin Jackson and Andrew Vorhees could step in to the left tackle spot protecting Sam Darnold’s blind side. There may also be some shuffling of players along the line to get Vorhees playing on the right side of the line where he is a better fit.
Marlon Tuipulotu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jalen McKenzie, Jamel Cook, and Greg Johnson also reportedly did not make the trip up to Wazzou.
Other Injuries:
Wide Receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. is once again doubtful to play. Mitchell had started the season as the WR2 and a solid contributor paired with Deontay Burnett. Burnett is dealing with a shoulder injury and is not 100% but he will likely play Friday night. Other wide receivers Michael Pittman and Joseph Lewis are also likely to able to go tonight. Whether or not the ball is thrown their way is a different matter entirely. Lewis reportedly did make the trip with the team to Pullman after not travelling with them to Berkeley last Saturday.
Running back Aca’Cedric Ware and WR Velus Jones Jr. are both questionable for Friday night. Ware saw his touches increase last week against the Bears (8 rushes for 20 yards) because starting Running Back Ronald Jones II stayed home last Saturday due to injury. Rojo is probable to return to action tonight for USC. So while depth is still a bit thin among the offensive weapons, Darnold will still have Burnett, Rojo, and Stephen Carr, the three players currently creating the majority of the Trojans’ offensive production this season.
Porter Gustin of course is still dealing with injuries to his bicep and toe and is unlikely to see action this evening. Elsewhere on defense Rasheem Green and Ajene Harris are both probable. Uchenna Nwosu will also be in action tonight despite dealing with injuries.