Like many teams around the nation, USC has struggled with injuries, but the Trojans got encouraging news Monday.
Cornerback and returner Kevin Arbet felt good running drills after missing a week because of an ankle injury. Tailback Darryl Poston and receiver Grant Mattos also tested their injured knees.
Linebacker Chris Prosser was back too, cleared to play after several weeks away because of a concussion, and linebacker Lee Webb ran for the first time on a healed fracture in his right foot. Both players have been missed on kickoff coverage, where USC lacked big, quick tacklers.
"Put me on all the special teams," Prosser said. "Whatever I can do to help out, it doesn't matter."
There was even hope for three top players on the sideline. Tackle Jacob Rogers will miss practice the next couple of days because of a hyperextended elbow but Coach Pete Carroll expects him back by the end of the week. Same goes for tight end Alex Holmes, who injured his knee on the first play of overtime against Oregon State.