USC Trojans Injury Update: Defensive End Anthony Lucas is sidelined for the season.
USC Trojans defensive end Anthony Lucas will miss the remainder of the season due to what coach Lincoln Riley referred to as a “lower extremity injury.” Lucas limped off the field during the game against Minnesota in week 6 but returned to practice the following week. He played against Penn State on Saturday, where he sustained a low hit on the first offensive play but still managed to participate in 38 snaps.
“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Anthony for the season,” Riley said. “He underwent a procedure on his leg this morning, and he won’t be available anymore.”
Lucas’s absence is a significant setback for the Trojans’ defense, where he was finding his rhythm in his second year with the team. This season, he recorded 16 total tackles, one pass deflection, and leads the team with 12 pressures and six quarterback hits. His contributions, however, extend beyond statistics; Lucas’s ability to disrupt the line and set the edge allowed his teammates to make plays that may not be reflected in the box score.
In Lucas’s absence, USC will rely on sophomore Braylan Shelby, redshirt sophomore Devan Thompkins, and redshirt freshman Sam Greene. Freshman Kameryn Fountain has also moved off the scout team and participated in practice wearing his assigned number.
Cornerback Jacobe Covington returned to practice on Tuesday after missing Saturday’s game against Penn State. He was injured late in the fourth quarter during the Trojans’ loss to Minnesota in week 6 while covering a punt. Covington was listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s game, as USC coach Lincoln Riley noted he had “progressed a little bit faster than we would have expected after the game,” but he was seen only in his jersey before kickoff.
John Humphrey started in Covington’s place, with DeCarlos Nicholson and Prophet Brown also seeing playing time in the rotation. The Trojans’ secondary is one of the deepest position groups on the roster.
“We have several players who can step up and handle it,” Riley said last week.
USC’s offense could receive a significant boost this week with the return of tight end Lake McRee, who was back on the practice field Tuesday. The redshirt junior is still recovering from a knee injury sustained in week four against Michigan. He practiced last week for the first time since the injury, running routes but was ultimately held out during Saturday’s game.
“His progress has been good, ahead of schedule, which isn’t surprising given his dedication,” Riley said last week. “He’s very professional about his recovery. I believe we’ll have him back sooner rather than later, which is great for us.”
Tight end production has suffered during McRee’s absence, with redshirt freshman Kade Eldridge and freshman Walker Lyons combining for just three receptions and 15 yards since he went down. Neither player has caught a pass in the last two games against Minnesota and Penn State. McRee’s return would restore an important element to the Trojans’ offense that has been lacking.
Defensive lineman Gavin Meyer participated in full pads and appears to have fully recovered from any lingering effects of Saturday’s game. He was carted off just before halftime but returned to the field in the second half. Given the Trojans’ lack of depth and experience in the interior, having Meyer available will be crucial for the defense moving forward.
USC will travel on Saturday, Oct. 19, for a cross-country matchup against the Maryland Terrapins. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on FS1. The return of a few key starters could be exactly what the Trojans need to regain momentum at the season’s midpoint.
Big Ten Football Burning Questions, USC Trojans.
