While the USC Trojans are sitting at 4-0, they are a little banged up in the injury department. DB Chasen Johnson is out for the season, and we are waiting for updates on DB Prophet Brown, DB Alex Graham, WR Ja’Kobi Lane, and LT Elijah Paige.
After practice on Tuesday, head coach Lincoln Riley told us that updates will be provided on the injury report that is submitted at the end of the week. Perhaps Coach Riley is showing USC’s next opponent a little gamesmanship?
Check Out Our USC Trojans Custom-Designed Merch HERE!
There was, however, some good news that came out of practice. Both Ja’Kobi Lane and Alex Graham were in pads and participants. We do not know to what extent, but that is at least a very encouraging sign.
#USC WR Ja’Kobi Lane on his way out to practice ✌🏼 @On3USC pic.twitter.com/wOvtz8FShA
— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) September 23, 2025
Freshman cornerback Alex Graham back in pads for the first time since his injury #USC pic.twitter.com/BcnBYy2sUZ
— Chris Treviño (@ChrisNTrevino) September 23, 2025
Ja’Kobi Lane And Alex Graham Participate In USC Trojans Practice
Ja’Kobi Lane was held out of last week’s game for what has been rumored to be a shoulder injury. He participated in warmups prior to the game, but did not suit up and was held out.
The Trojans play Illinois this week in Champagne. Getting Lane back would be a huge boost. However, the following week is a bye, so if he is still 50/50, it could bode well to get him the extra rest so that he is 100% for the Michigan game.
Alex Graham was injured during the final week of fall camp and has yet to make his collegiate debut. He shone during camp, and when Prophet Brown went down with an injury, Graham was rumored to be the next in line to start at nickel.
Subscribe To Our USC Trojans LAFB YouTube Channel!
Even if he is back to full health, it may take him some time to get back to where he was during camp, so it may end up being better for the USC Trojans to hold him out this week with the bye week on its way.
On the other hand, Big Ten road games are always a very tough out. If two players are well enough to contribute, you want them on the field for your football team.
Elijah Paige was injured during the game against Michigan State. His leg bent awkwardly during an extra point attempt. After the game, Coach Riley did not sound overly concerned, but again, we do not know the extent of it; he could be held out.
In his absence, Justin Tauanuu moved from right tackle to left tackle. Tobias Raymond moved from left guard to right tackle, and Micah Banuelos came in to play left guard. The unit performed very well, even with the in-game shuffling.
We will have more updates as the week progresses.