The positives from USC’s Monday practice session: OT Sam Baker had his second straight day of full practice without any complications from his healing torn hamstring (although he won’t officially be named as a starter until Tuesday), and DE Kyle Moore has been cleared for contact after a nerve injury had limited the use of his hand. The bad news: LB Keith Rivers (ankle) again was unable to participate in contact drills, and still seems unlikely to play on Thursday. The OC Register also reports that RB Stafon Johnson is continuing to feel pain in his foot after every practice, even though coaches had indicated that the tailback was back to 100%. Doctors have been unable to determine an exact cause for the pain.

Pete Carroll also clarified earlier comments made about Rivers’ replacements at weakside linebacker: Kaluka Maiava would start in his place, but Thomas Williams–not Malcolm Smith–would back him up (although Carroll still hopes to work Smith into the game if possible).

Also on Monday, Fred Davis was named one of eight semifinalists for the Mackey Award, presented to the nation’s top tight end.

Washington is willing to be a workhorse again (LA Times)
USC’s Johnson still feels pain in his foot (OC Register)
Insider: Line tries to stay in one piece, again (Rivals, $)
Monday Practice Report (WeAreSC, $)