Lincoln Riley says Romello Height had a 'small nick' in camp, expected back soon

USC rush end Romello Height was absent from the Trojans’ fifth practice of fall camp Wednesday. However, according to coach Lincoln Riley, it’s nothing more than a minor issue.

Riley revealed that Height suffered a “small nick” at some point during the first few days of camp. The coach added that he anticipates him “back here pretty quick,” indicating whatever injury he suffered isn’t too serious.

“Small nick early on in camp,” Riley said. “Looked very explosive the couple days that we had him. Was good to have him back. Obviously I haven’t seen him in a while. He looked stronger. …Expect him back here pretty quick.”

Height transferred to USC in the 2022 offseason after spending the first two years of his college career at Auburn. He began the season as a starter for the Trojans but unfortunately suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just two games in.

Height spent all offseason working to fight his way back, and Riley saw the results in the first few days of fall camp.

“We really spent a lot of time with him, obviously the rehab with the shoulder, but in the offseason evaluating weight and strength,” the coach said. “You could see that a little bit on the practice field.”

Height won’t be without competition to see time at rush end. USC brought in Georgia State transfer Jamil Muhammad and signed freshman Sam Greene. Still, he’ll hope to continue to show his progress in practice once he returns as he battles his way back from injury.

The Trojans will kick off the 2023 season on Aug. 26 against San Jose State.

USC linebacker Raesjon Davis suffered hand injury, will return for second half of camp

Height isn’t the only USC defender dealing with injury at fall camp. Riley also revealed Wednesday that linebacker Raesjon Davis suffered a hand injury and will miss the first half of camp.

“Yeah, he had a hand injury the first day of camp,” Riley told reporters. “First or second day of camp, very early. So he’ll be out for just a couple of days. We’ll get him back here in the second half of camp. He’s starting to get now where he can move around and stuff, too, have some activity on it.”

Davis is going into his junior season after playing sparingly in each of the last two years. He played in 10 games in 2021 as a reserve inside linebacker and special teamer, while appearing in all 14 games in 2022.

In total, Raesjon Davis tallied eight tackles, with all eight coming during his sophomore season in 2022.

“He’s done really well. Had a really good summer,” Riley said. “Had a good stretch of plays even before he got injured. Feels like a guy that’s — I know we’ve talked about it some — but feels like a guy that’s starting to surge.”