The Trojans held their first game-week practice on campus on Monday, breaking out the gameplan for Saturday’s opening contest against Idaho. As it was a game practice and no longer part of fall training camp, a more conventional rotation was in place for the players–meaning, for example, that John David Booty and Mike McDonald got the bulk of repetitions at quarterback, and that the service team was in place and running Idaho plays. The Trojan offense had a good day catching the ball, by the way, with WR David Ausberry, FB Stanley Havili, and WR Brandon Carswell (the latter playing mostly on the scout team) making some nice catches.

Injuries…
Second-string QB Mark Sanchez is officially out for the Idaho game (which is why McDonald was taking the second-team reps). OT Charles Brown and CB Cary Harris were able to return to practice on Monday, and the former split time on the first team with Drew Radovich (who himself is recovering from a back injury). Right now Brown is still looking like the starter at right tackle for Saturday (assuming he is healthy enough), though nothing is certain at this point.

Backfield in motion…
CJ Gable and Stafon Johnson shared time on the first-string offense on Monday, backed up by Allen Bradford (back from a hip injury) and Broderick Green. Chauncey Washington is extremely unlikely for the Idaho game, although it’s not yet a certainty (he didn’t practice at all today, however). Freshman Joe McKnight (knee) was given a deadline of today to participate in practice if he was to be allowed to play against Idaho. Although he was not cleared for contact, McKnight did participate in a few non-contact drills, so his status for Saturday also remains uncertain (although he’s not likely to play). And Hershel Dennis is hoping to return for the Nebraska game on 9/15.

Just for kicks…
Although David Buehler is listed as the first-string placekicker on the most recent USC depth chart, head coach Pete Carroll suggested today that Joe Houston still may have a shot at kicking field goals, although it sounds more like the job is Buehler’s to lose on Saturday. (Not that we expect USC to be kicking too many field goals against Idaho.) Buehler actually was held out of practice on Monday with a strained right quadriceps, but should be fine for Saturday.

Sanchez Update (Scott Wolf)
McKnight practices, but playing is up in the air (LA Times)
Holt familiar with Idaho (OC Register)
Game Week Idaho, Monday Practice (Scout)
Monday Insider: Dennis makes progress (Rivals, $)