Lincoln Riley announces Jordan Addison should play, updates the status of Eric Gentry, Mario Williams

A boon for USC: Star wide receiver Jordan Addison is expected to play on Saturday against Colorado, making his return after getting injured against Utah on Oct. 15. Inside linebacker Ralen Goforth is also expected to make a return from injury, head coach Lincoln Riley said.

Two other injured Trojans — linebacker Eric Gentry and wide receiver Mario Williams — are close to playing, as well, but are likely to be game-time decisions. Getting Williams and Gentry back would certainly be a plus, but Goforth and Addison — particularly Addison — coming back is massive for USC.

“I feel comfortable saying right now that Jordan and Ralen are on track to play. We expect those guys to play,” Riley said.

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Addison is arguably the best receiver in college football and his electric ability to create space and get open have been missed during his absence. Despite missing two games, he still leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Williams isn’t quite as polished a player, but has more than enough speed and athletic ability to be a difference-making wideout.

Earlier in the week, Riley said that both players were improving and tracking toward playing.

“They’re better, they’re participating more. Neither one of them have been full participants, but they’re very very close. I don’t know that I would for sure say yes, but we’re a lot closer to saying yes with several of those guys which is good,” Riley said on Tuesday.

And in Goforth, the Trojans are returning one of their top-10 tacklers this season. Gentry is even higher up that list, third on the team with 52, plus a sack and a pair of turnovers. The maligned USC defense can use all the help it can get at the moment, too.