So that’s why David Buehler’s kickoffs have been so short: he suffered a strained right quadriceps during fall camp as a result of “overkicking.” Rivals reports that the condition has actually worsened during the season, and probably will not improve without rest–which, of course, won’t happen until the end of the regular season. His condition is also worse during cold weather, so let’s hope for an unseasonable warm spell in Berkeley in early November.

Here’s what else was learned during the Trojans’ practice on Thursday:

• CB Cary Harris practiced again Thursday (and again only without contact), and though he feels fine, he still has not been cleared for contact by doctors. Coaches indicated that it will be a game-time decision.
• RB Stafon Johnson was held out of practice again on Thursday, and still seems almost certain to miss Saturday’s game, although Pete Carroll still will not officially rule him out.
• LB Brian Cushing and CB Shareece Wright are officially out for the Stanford game. Clay Matthews appeared to be back at full strength on Thursday and will split time with Thomas Williams in Cushing’s place, with Williams starting for the second straight week.
• Alatini Malu and Zack Heberer will share time at right guard on Saturday in place of the injured Chilo Rachal, with Heberer slightly more likely to start based on the number of snaps they’ve each had in practice this week.
• Kris O’Dowd, who had arthroscopic surgery on his injured knee Tuesday, is already walking without crutches and hopes to return in time for the Notre Dame game. RB CJ Gable was scheduled to have his surgery today. He, of course, is done for the year.
• Freshman RB Broderick Green has started (light) running for the first time since his foot surgery several weeks ago. He may be able to return to practice in as little as two weeks, and, if so, may actually see action this season instead of redshirting.
• Scott Wolf reports that the coaching staff has considered moving freshman wideout Brandon Carswell to cornerback to shore up depth at that injury-plagued position, but won’t actually do so unless there is an emergency. Carswell is set to redshirt this season.

Insider: Buehler’s bum quad, Booty’s confidence (Rivals, $)
USC RB Reed’s perseverance might pay off (OC Register)
Carswell might see time at DB (Daily News)
USC’s Washington is ready for heavy work day (LA Times)