USC Trojans Could Have Two Key Players Back Against Colorado

The USC Trojans have posted closer-than-expected wins the past two weeks against Arizona and Cal while playing with several key starters and contributors on the sideline. Head coach Lincoln Riley said Thursday he expects a couple of those injured players to return to action Friday night against Colorado.

Wide receivers have produced big games in the absence of Jordan Addison and Mario Williams. Tahj Washington, Kyle Ford and Michael Jackson III posted 100-yard performances over the past two weeks. But Addison in the lineup makes this a more dangerous offense and it sounds as though he could be ready to go this week. Likewise, backup linebacker Ralen Goforth, who also sat out games against Arizona and Cal, could play as well.

“I feel comfortable saying right now that Jordan and Ralen, I believe are on track to play,” Riley said. “Barring a setback, we expect those two to play.”

Addison suffered what looked to be a leg injury while being tackled on the sideline against Utah. He stayed down for a while and finished the game on the sideline using crutches. He did not suit up against Arizona or Cal, but he did do some light warmup work with the wide receivers ahead of each game.

Goforth seemed to be injured in either the Utah game or the following week of practice. He did not suit up against Arizona or Cal.

Despite missing two full games, Addison still leads the Trojans with 39 receptions for 585 yards and seven touchdowns. Williams is second with four touchdowns and 493 receiving yards. His 26 receptions are third on the team.

Other Injured Trojans

That leaves Williams and starting middle linebacker Eric Gentry as the two key injured players USC very much needs back on the field before games against UCLA and Notre Dame to close the regular season.

Williams’ injury is undisclosed. He was healthy enough to suit up and go through warmups ahead of the Arizona game. The following week, he didn’t suit up against Cal.

Gentry suffered a lower leg injury against Utah while attempting to make a tackle. He missed the final part of that game and didn’t seem close to returning against Arizona or Cal.

Riley said both players will be gametime decisions.

“Not quite as far a long, but still with an opportunity,” Riley said.

Gentry is tied for second on the USC defense with 52 tackles. He leads the team with three quarterback hurries and has also added a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and two pass deflections.

And another player who has been out of sight, out of mind since before the season began is tight end Jude Wolfe. He suffered an injury during fall camp and has missed all nine games to this point. Riley said at the time of the injury that Wolfe might be able to get back on the field at some point this season.

Riley said Wolfe is able to run around and now they’re working on raising his conditioning level.

“It’s not like he’s cleared by the doctors and all of a sudden he’s ready to go play high-level college football the next day,” Riley said. “There’s certainly a build-up to it. He’s in the middle of that.”

Riley said hopefully Wolfe is able play toward the end of the regular season or potentially in the postseason.