USC Trojans HC Lincoln Riley Provides Important Jahkeem Stewart Injury Update Ahead Of Week 1

We just wrapped up our weekly conference call with USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley, and he provided a few important injury updates leading up to the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Missouri State Bears.

True Freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart, who has been seen in a walking boot, is confirmed to be OUT for this contest.

“Jahkeem won’t play; he’s not ready. He’s close, but won’t play in the first one here,” said Riley.

It has not been disclosed what the exact injury is that Stewart sustained, but it is enough to keep his debut from happening for another week. The good news is that it sounds like it is nothing to worry about and that he is progressing well.

Had this been a conference game, it would have been interesting to see if he would have been cleared or not.

Lincoln Riley Provides More USC Trojans Injury Updates

“Pepe is good to go.”

Kobe Pepe was not listed on the team’s initial depth chart that was released on Wednesday night, but it sounds like he will be available. He is a big body that is tremendous in run support.

“Chasen Johnson will be a game-time decision. He’s moving around pretty good, but we’ll take a look at him tomorrow as well.”

When healthy, if not the starter, Johnson will certainly be in the mix for a lot of reps at the cornerback position. He was putting together a really nice fall camp and was my pick to start on the outside before he got injured. Good to hear that he is progressing, but we will see if he suits up on Saturday.

“Alex Graham won’t play.”

This one is a little bit more alarming. Coach Riley did not provide any more context, so at this point, we do not know the severity of his injury and if it is something that could hold him out for an extended time.

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Graham has been one of the true standouts of camp. As a true freshman, he was taking first-team reps at nickel and figured to potentially play the starting role due to an injury to Prophet Brown.

You gotta hope this is nothing serious, and that he will be good to go once the schedule begins to ramp up. That being said, as a true freshman, these game reps are invaluable as he acclimates to the college game.

We will have more USC Trojans injury updates from the Coliseum ahead of kickoff tomorrow afternoon.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT. See you all there, Fight On.