A few notes out of Howard Jones field on Monday:

• LB Brian Cushing (ankle), who played sparingly in Lincoln, will “definitely” play Saturday, according to Pete Carroll. If he is able to practice well this week, Cushing will even start against Washington State.
• Cushing’s replacement last week in the starting lineup, Clay Matthews (broken thumb), was able to participate in Monday’s practice despite wearing a hard cast on his hand.
• Cornerback and starting kick returner Vincent Joseph (bruised larynx) is definitely out for the Washington State game. Although he is improving–and hopes to return to action next week–he will undergo a precautionary MRI on Tuesday to check for additional damage to his throat/neck. CJ Gable, who returned kicks for USC last season, will once again assume that role on Saturday.
• Joe McKnight has supplanted fellow freshman Ronald Johnson as the backup punt returner behind Desmond Reed. As of now, Reed remains the Trojans’ main punt return specialist, despite a major miscue in the Nebraska game.
• Sophomore RB Allen Bradford and his father met with Carroll after practice to discuss Bradford’s lack of playing time. According to the LA Times, he is not considering transferring.

Monday Insider: O-Line can improve upon dominance (Rivals, $)
USC hits the field (Scout, $)
Family felt Joseph’s pain (OC Register)
Joseph OK, but Gable to return kicks (Daily Trojan)
USC’s movement scares Nebraska’s defense (Daily News)
Injury scary but not serious for Joseph (LA Times)