Emotional Max Williams heads to USC locker room, 'unlikely' to return vs. Notre Dame

Early in the first quarter against Notre Dame, USC safety Max Williams went down with an injury on the sideline. He seemed to be in a ton of pain and instantly was surrounded by medical staff. Unfortunately, it seems as if Williams’ night is already over in South Bend.

Once having the ability to get up, Williams went to the medical tent and spent a few minutes there. The defensive back was then helped back to the USC locker room, showing emotion on his face. Williams clearly wanted to be out there with his teammates, attempting to get a huge road win for the Trojans.

“He was putting no weight on his right leg,” the NBC broadcast said. “He spent about seven minutes inside of the tent. His fellow safety, Bryson Shaw, went in to check on him. He walked out, Williams did, seven minutes later without his helmet.

“He was then assisted off the field. An emotional scene, tears running down his cheek. It appears unlikely that Williams will play again today.”

USC has had plenty of defensive issues this season, primarily in the secondary. Alex Grinch has taken a lot of heat but everyone inside the program had defended him. There is still a chance to show some improvement against Notre Dame, losing somebody like Williams is a massive blow.

Williams has played in every game for USC this season, being a key part of the secondary. He has recorded 15 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss. He did make an impact in the early season matchup against Stanford, hauling in an interception.

Injuries have been an issue for Williams in the past, potentially showing why he was emotional at Notre Dame Stadium. He missed the Colorado game but returned in time to face off against Arizona. A good portion of the 2022 season was missed by the safety too, with his health being a key storyline heading into the year.

With returning to the Notre Dame game unlikely, the question surrounding Williams is now his availability moving forward. USC is going to have quite the gauntlet moving forward in the Pac-12, hoping to get back to Las Vegas for the conference championship game. Having somebody like Williams in the lineup will help the cause.

Hopefully, the injury is not too serious. An update will surely come from head coach Lincoln Riley following the game, as everyone in Los Angeles will be hoping for the best.