Lincoln Riley provides update on Zion Branch injury timeline

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USC safety Zion Branch participates in a drill during a fall camp practice with the Trojans (Erik McKinney/WeAreSC)

USC is hoping the defense looks completely different in 2024, wanting to take a massive step forward heading into the Big Ten. Defensive back Zion Branch has a chance to be a part of the change but first, has an injury to deal with.

Head coach Lincoln Riley gave an update on Branch Tuesday, saying the issue is around the finger/hand. Surgery was required but Riley was not worried at all, calling the injury “extremely minor.” Branch was been an impressive player during fall camp and is looking to impress with the Trojans.

“Zion had to have a small procedure done on one of his fingers or on his hand,” Riley said after practice. “Extremely minor. He’ll miss like a day or two and he’ll be back in. But he’s had a really good camp, been impressed with his ability.”

Unfortunately, injuries have been a major story for Branch throughout his career. Ahead of his true freshman season, Branch suffered a season-ending knee injury. Last year saw Branch appear in nine games but during his first-ever start, he went down with a knee again.

Spring practice saw Branch in limited action before ramping things up in the fall. So hearing the latest injury from Branch is minor is a huge sigh of relief from everybody in Los Angeles. Getting a positive review from the head coach only helps the cause.

Riley has been impressed with the mental discipline from Branch, getting through his tough injury luck. There is some excitement around the program of having him back in the fold.

“We know he can bounce back from an injury, we’ve seen it,” Riley said. “How fast he’s bounced back mentally and physically from this one is probably even more impressive than the others. He’s had a really strong camp. So, excited to have him back.”

As mentioned, Branch has played in nine games throughout his career at USC. He recorded 22 tackles, one TFL, and a forced fumble while out there. The lone start came against Cal, a game the Trojans won by a point in late October.

USC will be getting Branch back in practice and they switch from training camp to game preparation. Just 11 days separate us from now and the season opener in Las Vegas, taking on the LSU Tigers. A nice test to see how Riley has changed the defensive under new DC D’Anton Lynn.