Bad news hits HC Lincoln Riley‘s Trojans. OL Kilian O’Connor is confirmed to be out for multiple games after suffering a left knee injury against Illinois. Losing O’Connor on the offensive line is a major setback. Riley already seems to have a plan for his replacement. Whether Jayden Maiava would have chemistry with them is another question. One positive sign, however, is that two players could return this week from their injuries.

The two players in question, Alex Graham and Elijah Paige, have been injured, affecting USC’s depth. Alex did not get to make his debut due to a preseason injury, while Elijah suffered an injury against Michigan State. When asked about the returning players, Lincoln Riley was hopeful for their return this week against Michigan.

Riley was optimistic for Elijah’s return. The left tackle has been an instrumental piece for the Trojans. Getting him back before the game on Saturday would be a boost, and Riley knows it. “Things are trending in the right direction for Elijah to hopefully play this week. Yeah, I think, you know, I think he’s got a chance. I mean, it’s not a shoe-in. It’s just kind of been a nagging injury that he’s dealt with. One of those things you just try to manage as best you can,” said Riley in his remarks to the press.

However, Riley was not sure if Alex would return on Saturday. “He had a good goodbye week that worked out perfectly for him. He was able to get a lot of reps, and we’ll keep repping him. Hope to try to get him ready to help us here in the near future. I don’t know if it’ll be this week,” added Riley. The talented cornerback is yet to make a starting appearance this season after joining from Cass Tech. Many believe he could be one of USC’s breakout freshmen this season.

It has been an injury-struck season for USC. The return of either of these players would benefit their squad depth, especially against Michigan. However, Riley still has another issue to solve before their game. He will have to place faith in an inexperienced OL J’Onre Reed, who has yet to prove his place on the team.

Kilian O’Connor’s loss will be a headache for Lincoln Riley unless Reed plays the part

USC suffered a double blow last weekend, a narrow 32–34 defeat at the Memorial and the loss of O’Connor in the second quarter. But Jayden Maiava remains confident in the matchup despite the setback. Talking about the injury in an interview, Maiava said, “I think the only difference is it’s not Kilian. Reed has been locked in, whether he’s been taking the mental reps or not.” So, it is clear that the QB believes in the backup OL. Losing O’Connor would have always been difficult. He is their main man on the front.

J’Onre Reed has capped 25 appearances for the Syracuse Orange, which could help his case. He was solid at the center, allowing 14 quarterback pressures and earning a 68.3 pass-blocking grade, along with a 63.2 run-blocking grade. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Against Michigan, his communication must be on point. He can’t afford to repeat mistakes like the one where he disrupted a 75-yard touchdown by drifting too far downfield and drawing a penalty. Facing Michigan with an injury-struck team will be a headache for Lincoln Riley. But Elijah Paige’s return and Reed stepping up would soften the pain.