Lincoln Riley classifies Mason Cobb, Eric Gentry as questionable for Stanford game

USC has been without a couple veteran linebackers as it gets the early part of its 2023 season underway, with Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry both missing due to injury.

Coach Lincoln Riley spoke to their status at the end of a meeting with reporters on Thursday ahead of a weekend game against Stanford.

“We’re hopeful,” Riley said. “I would honestly right now today put them both in the questionable world. I don’t know that either one of them is a green light, like for sure going to go. But I couldn’t say that either one of them doesn’t have a chance, either.”

Both have been productive players at the college level, though only Gentry has taken major snaps for the Trojans so far. Cobb transferred into the program this offseason.

The two linebackers both missed the contest against Nevada this past weekend. While Gentry is dealing with a foot injury, it’s unclear what Cobb’s ailment is.

“They’ve both progressed well,” Riley said. “Today will probably tell a lot of the tale, if they’re able to keep that progression going and feel like they’re going to be ready to go out there and make plays. Hopeful to have them both.”

Both Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry can be major difference-makers on defense.

Gentry has already established himself as such after battling through a foot injury last year for the USC defense. Even with the injury he logged 71 tackles, 4.0 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, three pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.

Cobb transferred in from Oklahoma State this offseason. He as an All-Big-12 second team selection in 2022 after racking up 96 tackles and 13.0 tackles for a loss.

With the USC defense looking to take a major step forward, both Cobb and Gentry are major pieces the Trojans need back on the board.