If SC’s victory over Notre Dame didn’t buoy the team’s spirits enough heading into preparations for its toughest test of the season this week in the Oregon Ducks, the return to practice of several injured players certainly has. Continue reading for updates on the progress of several healing Trojans and some increased competition at key positions.

• Although no formal decision has been made as to who will start at quarterback on Saturday, Mark Sanchez looked strong in taking all of the first-team snaps on Monday. Growing in confidence, Sanchez told reporters his aim is to keep the starting job: “Once you get the nod it totally changes, like a heavyweight fighter - you win the title and that’s it, you don’t want to look back.”
• John David Booty did not throw Monday but told reporters that the numbness in his broken finger has dissipated and that he would throw passes on Tuesday without the receivers glove he wore for protection last week. Seemingly tipping his hand that he’s leaning toward starting Sanchez Saturday, Pete Carroll reiterated that it has to take 3 - 4 weeks for Booty’s finger to heal and that “it can’t be healed yet. It can’t be.”
• Despite strong performances by Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight in recent weeks, Carroll emphasized that Chauncey Washington remains the starting tailback with Johnson and McKnight completing a 3-man rotation at the position. Johnson told reporters that he’s 80 percent recovered from his sprained ankle and that he feels much better than a week ago despite getting tangled in a pile of players against Notre Dame.
• Carroll noted that Vidal Hazelton’s starting position is secure and that David Ausberry will continue to back him up.
• Offensive linemen Charles Brown, Thomas Herring, Kris O’Dowd, and Sam Baker returned to practice on Monday, but Baker and O’Dowd are uncertain for Saturday. Regarding Baker, Carroll noted that his hamstring strain suffered against Arizona is “significant.” Zack Heberer participated in drills but is not yet cleared for contact. Chilo Rachal also returned to practice and should play against Oregon, according to Rivals.
• Carroll and the coaching staff were extremely impressed by the performance of Butch Lewis in filling in for Baker at left tackle. Carroll noted, “He has helped his cause for the future tremendously.”
• Sanchez wore a mouthpiece in the colors of the Mexican flag and featuring the eagle-and-snake insignia against Notre Dame. Cuban-American team dentist Ramon Roges made Sanchez the distinctive mouthpiece which the quarterback wore to reflect his pride in his heritage and his desire to inspire kids in his community.
• The team practiced on Cromwell Field’s artificial surface on Monday to simulate Autzen Stadium’s conditions but will hold the week’s remaining practices on grass.

Carroll: Washington still USC’s starter at running back (LA Daily News)
Sanchez is prepared for Oregon noise (LA Times)
This USC call should be clear (LA Times)
Sanchez likely to start again for USC (Orange County Register)
Insider: Havili returns (Rivals, $)