USC WR Makai Lemon injury update ahead of Wisconsin

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is expected to miss Saturday’s game against Wisconsin, a source tells On3.

He exited in the first half of last week’s game at Michigan and was taken away in an ambulance, per the CBS broadcast. Lemon has posted four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown for USC this season. As a freshman in 2023, he had six receptions for 88 yards.

“He’s doing good, he’s doing good, USC head coach Lincoln Riley said this week. “He’s rebounded back well. I think as good as you could possibly hope for with that scary of a situation.

“… Was kind of a unique play, head ended up — kind of the whiplash effect and I think it was more of the helmet hitting the ground than the actual hit I think that caused it. Obviously never want to see that, and thankfully bounced back well and was able to fly home with us at night and is doing very well.”

USC will likely turn to slot receiver Jay Fair without Makai Lemon. Fair stepped up against Michigan, catching three passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Lemon was also a key piece on special teams coverage. Wide receiver Josiah Zamora will likely replace him on kickoff return.

Riley called USC veteran safety Akili Arnold “questionable” earlier this week. He’s started each of the Trojans’ first three games this season. Arnold is tied for fourth on the team with 13 total tackles. The safety transferred in from Oregon State this offseason, where he spent five seasons and appeared in 48 games with 25 starts.

USC is set to host its first Big Ten conference game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The Trojans (2-1) are coming off a 27-24 loss at Michigan.