The Oregon Ducks will begin Big Ten play with a crucial game in Week 4, taking a trip to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans. Not only is it an important game for the Ducks to get off to the right start in conference play, but the rivalry between the former Pac-12 programs carries plenty of weight in terms of the College Football Playoff picture and the recruiting landscape.
The Ducks hope to be at full strength when they roll into the Memorial Coliseum, while the Trojans will be hoping to get healthy in time for the matchup.
USC defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart is “expected to miss the first couple games” of the season for the Trojans with a foot injury Stewart was seen on crutches during USC’s “Salute to Troy” on Friday night with a boot on his right foot, as noted by Los Angeles Times reporter Ryan Kartje
Stewart played through a broken foot late last
Stewart played through a broken foot late last season as well. The sophomore pass rusher could miss the start of the season, with a targeted return date of the Trojans’ Week 3 game against Rutgers. That’s one week before the Trojans host the Ducks. Stewart is a reigning PFF Freshman All-American and won’t be easy for the Trojans to replace.
Oregon is planning to use a rotation along the offensive line, but the hope is the team can find a solid five up front before opening conference play. USC’s defensive line has enough talent to cause problems for the Ducks, but if Stewart does return in time for the game in Week 4, it’s fair to question whether or not he will be at the peak of his powers just yet, which could afford the Ducks a break.
Stewart finished last season with 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 11 games. He also had an interception and a fumble recovery. As one of USC’s young and rising stars, the Ducks would need to gameplan around Stewart if he is available for the game.
Oregon fans should keep an eye
Oregon fans should keep an eye on his status, as well as how USC replaces Stewart to begin the season. The Trojans could turn to returners such as Floyd Boucard and Jamaal Jarrett, or even give more reps to freshmen Tomuhini Topui, a former Oregon commit, and Jaimeon Winfield.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire:USC injury news surfaces ahead of Oregon clash in Week 4
Source: sports.yahoo.com
