USC could have one of its key skill players back in the mix Saturday at Rutgers, but another defensive piece appears headed to the sideline.
Running back Deshonne Redeaux was listed as questionable on USC’s Friday availability report, and he took part in early work with a brace on his right knee. He was out there in full pads, going through the running backs’ early warmup shuffling and catching passes, which at least leaves the door open for him to play.
Linebacker Jadyn Walker, though, was in his jersey and track pants, so he’ll be out for the game.
Safety Kennedy Urlacher also drew attention after being held out of the second half last week against Louisiana. He was in full pads and warming up with the safeties less than an hour before kickoff.
USC already knew it would be missing several players for the Big Ten opener. Defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is out for the fourth straight game to open the season and the fifth straight overall dating back to last year. The Trojans also ruled out star freshman receiver Trent Mosley earlier in the week, and Wednesday’s first injury report listed 10 more players as unavailable: S Madden Riordan, LB Shaun Scott, LB Elijah Newby, LB Taylor Johnson, DT Brendan Cho, LS Dylan Black, C Kilian O'Connor, WR, and TE Taniela Tupou.
Stewart’s absence is a continuation of a frustrating stretch. He played last season on a foot that needed a procedure in the offseason, then suffered another foot injury before USC broke fall camp.
After the win over Louisiana, head coach Lincoln Riley said Stewart could have played against the Ragin’ Cajuns if he had been truly needed. Riley had sounded optimistic that practice would get Stewart ready for Rutgers, but that didn’t happen.
Mosley’s absence carries its own sting. The Chicago native has been one of USC’s early season bright spots, and his start was historic: he became just the sixth Big Ten freshman since 2000 to catch a touchdown in his first three college games. He also became the first USC player since Tyler Vaughns in 2018 to score both a punt return touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the same game.
Through three games, Mosley has 13 catches for a team-high 255 yards and four receiving touchdowns. His 13 receptions also tie him with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt for the team lead.
"We knew after the game that there's a little something that we needed to get looked at," Riley said Wednesday. "We were able to do that, and he won't be available this week, and we'll just continue monitoring him going forward.
Don't expect it to be extremely longterm, but still a little inconclusive on his timeline, depending on how he responds. We'll see, but certainly not going to be ready this week."
Mosley appeared limited late in the Louisiana game after an end around run, but he stayed on the field and still delivered. He broke loose for an 86-yard punt return touchdown and later added a 21-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. After that second score, he was seen moving a bit gingerly both on the field and as he left United Airlines Field.
Redeaux has played in USC’s first two games and has mostly worked as a kick returner. The Westlake Village (Calif.)
Oaks Christian product has six returns for 108 yards, including a long of 26. He has also run the ball four times for 33 yards and scored his first college touchdown against Fresno State.
Walker’s role has steadily shrunk through the first three games. He played 16 total snaps against Louisiana, including just three on defense, all in the third quarter.
His snap counts have dropped each week, from 29 in the opener against San Jose State to 25 against Fresno State to 16 against Louisiana. Deven Bryant won the MIKE linebacker job out of camp, while Desman Stephens II has held the WILL spot since the season began.
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