Freshman offensive tackle Nathan Smith is set for a long lay off after an MRI confirmed that he tore his ACL during practice on Tuesday.
“The MRI did come back that he had an ACL tear so we will go ahead and try to get that surgery done as quickly as possible so he has the opportunity to possibly make it back by September,” head coach Clay Helton said after practice on Wednesday.
The injury is unfortunate for both Smith and USC, as it could have major implications for the Trojans prospects in 2017.
USC Injury Report:
- Out for the season: DT Kenny Bigelow (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett, C Toa Lobendahn (knee), WR Steven Mitchell (knee)
- Out: DL Noah Jefferson (transfer), RB Vavae Malepeai (shoulder/redshirt), OLB Jabari Ruffin (suspension)
- Questionable: C Khaliel Rodgers (concussion)
- Probable: QB Sam Darnold (hip), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hamstring, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (wrist)
FROM TUESDAY: Jonathan Lockett To Undergo Surgery
The Trojans will lose both starting tackles, Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner, to graduation after the Rose Bowl.