The Trojans received some good news at practice on Monday, when two of their many injured players returned. F Taj Gibson (ankle) and freshman G Marcus Simmons (ankle) were able to participate in practice and are on track to play in Saturday’s opener against Mercer. As for their more seriously-injured teammates, G Daniel Hackett (broken jaw) discusses the joys and sorrows of a liquid diet in today’s LA Times, and freshman C Mamadou Diarra (hernia) underwent successful surgery yesterday and is expected to return to practice in five weeks.

Although the schools are forbidden by NCAA rules to disclose a score or statistics for last weekend’s closed scrimmage between USC and Cal State Fullerton, the Trojan performance was apparently one best kept behind closed doors anyway, with the team reportedly struggling on defense. Forward RouSean Cromwell also sustained a minor leg injury during the scrimmage, but it is not expected to keep him sidelined for long.

USC’s Daniel Hackett looks at lighter side of injury (LA Times)
Gibson and Simmons return as Cromwell goes out (LA Times)