USC defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is officially out for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers, and the news just dropped like a ton of bricks for Trojans fans. This makes it four straight games missed for the sophomore, and honestly, the whole situation feels a lot sketchier than we thought.
Where’s the Transparency, Coach?
Stewart has been sidelined with a foot injury since day one, missing all three nonconference games. Remember last week after the Louisiana win? Head coach Lincoln Riley was talking all kinds of hopeful. He told us Stewart was “close.” He said the guy “could have played tonight.” He even floated the idea that Stewart was “available” and that “had this been a different kind of game, he would have gone.” Riley wrapped it up by saying, “This extra week will do him good to get back on the practice field. I anticipate him being a full participant next week.” Man, that quote feels like a gut punch right now, doesn’t it?
The Foot Injury That Won’t Quit
So much for “full participant next week,” huh? Turns out, Stewart hasn’t been a full participant at all this week. The real kicker? The article points out that it “seems as though Stewart’s injury is more serious than Riley has let on.” That’s the part that should make any fan nervous. What exactly is going on with that foot, and why wasn’t the full picture shared earlier? The exact severity and a timeline for his return are still up in the air. This kind of uncertainty is brutal, especially as they kick off conference play. And if that wasn’t enough, standout freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley is also out for the Rutgers game. Mosley, who had an 86-yard punt return against Louisiana, is a huge weapon missing for a team that’s 3-0 and looking to keep that momentum rolling.
This team finished nonconference play strong at 3-0, but losing two key guys, especially a defensive anchor like Stewart, right as Big Ten play starts on the road at Rutgers? That’s a rough hand to be dealt. Everyone’s gonna be watching how they handle this.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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