As reported earlier today, Patrick Turner took what Pete Carroll called a “vicious hit” from Rey Maualuga during what the team calls “Competition Tuesday” practices, resulting in what Turner thinks is a “stinger” (pending X-rays). Mauauluga apologized but indicated to the LA Times that the collision was predictable after some pre-practice, apparently good-spirited trash talk between the players. Scott Wolf reports that Turner, apparently seeing things a bit differently, was peeved after the hit, asking Maualuga, “What the (expletive) Rey?”

• After missing four days with back spasms, Charles Brown is feeling better and will likely start at right tackle ahead of senior Drew Radovich.
• If Matt Spanos is unable to play on Saturday as a result of his tricep injury sustained while trying to block DT Sedrick Ellis in practice today, Jeff Byers will likely switch from guard to center, but freshman Kris O’Dowd “would play a lot” behind Byers, according to Carroll. Nick Howell would be the number 3 center.
• Joe McKnight worked with the receivers and fielded punts Tuesday, though he has not yet been cleared for contact. The freshman went through practice with a new brace to protect a stretched ligament in his right knee.
• Apparently peaking at the right time, PK David Buehler was 5 for 5 in field-goal drills Tuesday, hitting from 20, 32, 37, and 42 (twice).
• Scott Wolf reports that oft-injured former Trojan WR Jamere Holland, who prefers to stay close to home, plans to appeal a decision by the USC athletic department denying his request for a scholarship release to attend Oregon.

Tuesday Insider: You’re a starter, Charles Brown (Rivals, $)
Former USC WR Holland will appeal transfer ban (LA Daily News)
Two starters injured at practice (LA Times)