The USC Trojans have a pivotal matchup with the Penn State Nittany Lions this weekend that could make or break their season. Overall, they have been able to remain relatively healthy, but they have been without key players each week.
Tight End Lake McRee was injured in the Michigan game and has been out since. Star linebacker Eric Gentry went out during the Wisconsin game and missed last week at Minnesota. Starting cornerback Jacobe Covington left during the game against the Minnesota Gophers.
Lincoln Riley met with reporters on Thursday and provided some updates on the USC Trojans health.
USC Trojans Injury Updates Via Lincoln Riley
On Tuesday it became known that Eric Gentry was suffering from multiple concussions. The severity is not totally known, but it did come out that he is contemplating taking his redshirt to get healthy and return next season.
When asked if he would be out ‘indefinitely’ Riley nodded in agreement.
On Thursday, Riley was asked about Gentry and who would step up if indeed he does have to redshirt.
Well, I mean, if that does happen, then yeah, I think a couple of things. One, I think it’s everyone’s responsibility to continue to step up their games and continue to play at a high level, you know, Eric is a good player, but also, kind of an emotional spark plug for us. But we’ve got other guys, certainly that can fill that need and have infectious energy about them… And then I think it provides, you know, opportunities specifically for some of these young guys, like Desman (Stephans), like (Elijah) Newby, I think guys like that who are young and talented and getting some opportunities and getting a lot of reps here in practice and developing quickly.
Lake McRee, who has played a significant role in the passing game, but also in the running scheme and in blocking up front, was back at practice on Tuesday. We did not receive an update from Riley, but the fact that he is practicing would indicate that he has a chance to play on Sunday.
When asked about Jacobe Covington, Riley responded:
Yeah, Covington will be questionable. He’s been limited this week and progressed a little bit faster than maybe we would have thought after the Minnesota game. I think we would have all guessed it was probably a for-sure no for this week. So, uh kudos to him and the training staff for pushing it along. But certainly has been limited.
Typically when guys have been limited under Lincoln Riley they do not end up suiting up for the game, but considering the importance of this one, with the season in the balance, if Covington has the ability to go, you can expect him to be out there.
If he is unable to go, expect to see DeCarlos Nicholson, John Humphrey, and also Prophet Brown as options to rotate in Covington’s stead.
We will provide all injury updates leading up to kickoff at 12:30 PM PT on Saturday.