Trojans hampered by mounting injuries

The Trojans have faced adversity all season, and despite a blowout win over No. 3 Utah, the Trojans continue to battle hardship, especially in the form of injuries.

The biggest blow to the Trojans came against Washington when senior center and captain Max Tuerk went down with a knee injury. He has since had surgery to repair the injured ligament and will now turn his focus to his recovery.

Sophomore guard Toa Lobendahn moved over to center to replace the injured captain. He played at center against Notre Dame and started at center against Utah only to be knocked out for the season with the same injury as Tuerk.

Redshirt junior Isaac Whitney is out indefinitely with a broken collarbone and is just one of three receivers battling injury. Redshirt sophomore Steven Mitchell Jr. has been battling an ankle injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against Cal, as is junior Darreus Rogers, who suffered a hamstring injury.

The thin receiving corps has been led by sophomore JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is fifth in the nation in receiving, averaging 128.7 yards per game. He has reached over 100 yards in five games this season. Fellow sophomore Adoree’ Jackson, a three-way starter, played almost exclusively on offense for the first time against Utah to add depth to the depleted receiver position.

Some good news came for the Trojans on Tuesday, though, as offensive lineman Chad Wheeler practiced for the first time after sitting out against Utah with a concussion.