After enjoying a rare two days off, the Trojan football team returned to the practice field on Sunday evening for the first of four practices in preparation for their Thanksgiving battle with 7th-ranked Arizona State. The latest developments:

• LB Keith Rivers (ankle) is doubtful for the ASU game (or to use Pete Carroll’s technical terminology, he’s “iffy”). The coaches have indicated that they would be reluctant to use him in the game if he still displays signs of injury, although, on a positive note, he was no longer wearing a protective boot on Sunday and was able to make it through a few drills.
• Although Kaluka Maiava would replace Rivers as the starter at weakside linebacker, freshman Malcolm Smith is on track to get his first significant minutes of the season. He has primarily played on special teams to this point, but has impressed during increased exposure in practice in recent weeks.
• OT Sam Baker still looks set to return to the starting lineup on Thursday, and had a very successful practice on Sunday.
• DE Kyle Moore (hand) has not been cleared for contact yet, but is expected to be within the next few days. He reported that his hand was much improved on Sunday.

Insider: Smith’s time may be coming (Rivals, $)
Competition Sunday: Trojans Return to Practice (Scout, $)
Status quo for the Trojans (LA Times)
USC’s Carroll heaps praise on ASU coach Erickson (OC Register)
USC’s chase for the Rose Bowl (Daily Trojan)