USC will be without its two top tight ends and it’s second-leading rusher when it hosts Utah this Saturday, Trojans interim head coach Ed Orgeron said on Sunday during his weekly media conference call.
Juniors Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer have been ruled out due to undisclosed injuries suffered against Notre Dame. Both tight ends have been banged up this season and have just 14 combined catches.
Their injuries leaves USC with just one scholarship tight end, sophomore Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, who has one catch to his credit so far.
Tailback Justin Davis is also out due to an injury suffered against Notre Dame. The true freshman has 361 yards and six touchdowns and is averaging 6.8 yards per carry this season for the Trojans.
USC is in much better shape at running back than tight end. Senior Silas Redd and sophomore Javorius Allen should carry most of the load against the Utes.