Freshman defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu is out for the season after undergoing back surgery. Here’s the USC injury report from Oct. 10.
Another name was added to USC’s season-ending injury list on Tuesday, this time freshman defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu.
The freshman defensive lineman had season-ending surgery to fix a back problem which has been bothering him since he arrived on campus, head coach Clay Helton announced after practice.
Tuipulotu has apparently been carrying the injury since before he joined USC this spring. Back issues plagued him throughout spring camp and into the season.
He played against Western Michigan, Stanford and Cal, but missed contests against Texas, Washington State and Oregon State. Having played just three games, he is eligible for a medical redshirt and should retain a year of eligibility despite the injury.
USC Injury Report:
Out for season: K Michael Brown (knee), CB Greg Johnson (shoulder), LB Tayler Katoa (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder), OL Viane Talamaivao (pectoral), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (back), WR Keyshawn “Pie” Young (hamstring/redshirt)
Out: RB Stephen Carr (foot), OLB Hunter Echols (hip), OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), OT Nathan Smith (knee)
Questionable: DL Malik Dorton (knee), OL Chuma Edoga (ankle), DL Josh Fatu (knee), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), WR Jalen Greene (concussion), LB Jordan Iosefa (concussion), Damon Johnson (back/concussion)
Probable: WR Deontay Burnett (toe),
Tuipulotu’s absence puts the spotlight on another freshman defensive lineman: Brandon Pili, whose redshirt was burned against Oregon State.
The other big injury news from Tuesday surrounded Daniel Imatorbhebhe and his return to action for the Trojans.
The tight end, who has been sidelined by a hip flexor injury, suited up for practice for the first time in weeks. Though he was a limited participant, it was a clear sign of progress.
The goal now is to get Imatorbhebhe “back in football shape,” Helton said. The target for his return to game action remains Notre Dame next week.
A toe injury did not keep Deontay Burnett out of pads as was feared on Sunday, but the receiver did have his foot heavily wrapped. He was also a limited practice participant.
Meanwhile, right tackle Chuma Edoga sat out of practice as he contends with an ankle injury. He is expected to see action on Wednesday. More about his status for the Utah game will be determined then.
Wide receiver Jalen Greene and linebacker Jordan Iosefa both remained out as they go through concussion protocol.
Running back Stephen Carr did not suit up because of a foot injury which will likely keep him out another week.
