The latest update on one of USC’s top options in the running game is not a positive one.
Tre Madden has been dealing with a lingering toe injury he suffered early on in summer camp. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said after practice Thursday that "[w]e’re taking every precautionary action we can to make sure that Tre is great and ready to go when his time is called again.”
Madden’s time doesn’t appear to be the opener against Fresno State in a week as Sarkisian said the running back is “probably a game-time decision.” The coach’s declaration came after Madden, who has been wearing a walking boot on his right foot, missed yet another practice session.
The player hasn’t practiced with his teammates since a scrimmage Monday night, and visited foot specialists Thursday and Friday in an attempt to speed up the recovery process..
“When you start messing with a running back and his feet or his toes, his ability to push off, they just don’t overnight, all of a sudden, get better,” Sarkisian said. “We’re trying to maximize his rest. We’re trying to keep him off his feet as best we can to get him as healthy as quickly as we can and hopefully have him ready to go for next Saturday.”
The injury bug has dogged Madden throughout his Trojans career.
During the first five games last season, Madden rushed for 583 yards and three touchdowns. The last eight, three of which he didn’t record a carry as he battled a hamstring issue, Madden totaled just 120 yards and didn’t find the end zone. His 703 yards were second on the team to the 785 yards for Javorius Allen, who figures to be the Trojans’ bell cow in the running game this year.
During spring practice in 2012, Madden tore an ACL and missed the entire season.