USC running back Silas Redd suffered a knee injury against Cal on Saturday and is questionable for the team’s upcoming game against Stanford, Trojans interim head coach Ed Orgeron said on Sunday.
Redd left the game against the Bears after rushing for 19 yards on six carries and catching a 12-yard touchdown pass. The senior has been hobbled most of the year and only has 351 yards after rushing for 905 last year.
USC should actually be just fine without Redd, though his loss will hurt its depth against Stanford. Sophomore running back Javorious Allen has been busting loose in recent weeks and he exploded for 135 yards and two touchdowns on six carries against Cal after Redd went down.
If the Trojans are going to have a chance to beat Stanford, they need to put the ball in the hands of their playmakers. Allen --who has four plays of 40 yards or more this year -- fits that bill, whereas Redd wasn’t exactly known for his breakaway abilities.