Big Ten play is officially here for USC! After finishing their nonconference slate 3-0, the Trojans will open up conference play on the road this week at Rutgers.
On Wednesday, USC got some bad news on the injury front when it was announced that standout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley is out for the game. Thursday’s injury report brought more bad news with the reveal that sophomore defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart will once again not play.
Stewart has missed the first three games of the season with a foot injury. Following last week’s victory over Louisiana, head coach Lincoln Riley seemed to suggest that he was close to returning.
“He's close,” Riley said. “He could have played tonight. We just said, 'Hey, if you go out there, we'll see
if you feel just absolutely perfect, and even then, I might still not let you play.' He was able to practice some this week, went through warmups, felt good, but we just said it has to be perfect. It's another week of practice where he can build back up. He was available, and had this been a different kind of game, he would have gone. But he's available. This extra week will do him good to get back on the practice field. I anticipate him being a full participant next week.”
Obviously, Stewart has not, in fact, been a full participant this week. It seems as though Stewart’s injury is more serious than Riley has let on—although the exact severity and a timeline for his return remains to be seen.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart ruled out for Rutgers game
