A day that saw Trojan coach Pete Carroll continue to make fun of some of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh’s pre-season assertions (such as his prediction that Carroll would leave USC after this year)–and which also saw alumn Matt Leinart on campus to chat with his replacement, John David Booty–also had some more serious news on the injury front. A look at where the injured Trojans stand after Tuesday’s practice:

• RB CJ Gable (groin) was examined by a doctor and met with coaches to discuss undergoing surgery and redshirting this season. No conclusion was reached, as the coaches also want to discuss the topic with Gable’s family first. If Gable decides to keep playing this year, it looks like he will still need the surgery once the season is over.
• RB Stafon Johnson (foot) was unable to practice and is now considered highly unlikely to play on Saturday.
• RB Chauncey Washington, who had been the Trojans’ one healthy top-tier tailback, experienced some shoulder numbness during Tuesday’s practice and was forced to cut his participation short. He is expected to return on Wednesday, however.
• Because of the above injuries, Allen Bradford logged a lot of time with the first-team offense on Tuesday.
• Second-year freshman Zack Heberer lined up at LG with the first-team offense for the second day in a row, although he struggled at times. Alatini Malu, the other potential starter while Chilo Rachal is out, is still hampered by a sore hamstring.
• LB Brian Cushing (ankle) has not been ruled out for Saturday, although Scott Wolf seems to think he will not return until the Notre Dame game. With USC’s depth at LB, there certainly is no reason to rush him back into action this week or next if he isn’t 100%. Fellow semi-injured backer Clay Matthews blocked two kicks in Tuesday’s practice, but Thomas Williams is still in line to start on Saturday.
• CB Cary Harris (shoulder) practiced again on Tuesday and was expected to meet with doctors late Tuesday night in order to receive clearance to play in the Stanford game. If he is not cleared, Mozique McCurtis will start in his place, with Vincent Joseph seeing action as the nickelback.
• Carroll denied a report by ESPN on Tuesday that the San Diego Chargers had approached him as a potential replacement for head coach Norv Turner if the latter is fired.

Tuesday Insider: Different QB, same USC D (Rivals, $)
Press conference transcript: Pete Carroll-Jim Harbaugh Discuss Saturday’s Game At The Coliseum (Official USC site)
Carroll takes a few shots at Harbaugh (LA Times)
Wednesday notes: Tough decision for USC’s Gable (OC Register)