Report: Staph infection to sideline USC’s starting LT for tonight’s game vs. Wazzu

This could certainly serve as a detrimental development for USC.

Friday night, unbeaten and fifth-ranked USC will square off with undefeated and 16th-ranked Washington State in a key Pac-12 matchup in Pullman. According to Scout.com, the Trojans will take the field without Toa Lobendahn (pictured, right).

Citing unnamed sources, the website is reporting that the starting left tackle has a staph infection and did not travel with the team.

As of now, the football program has yet to publicly address Lobendahn’s status for tonight’s game.

The versatile offensive lineman has started 21 games during his Trojans career -- eight at left guard, five at left tackle, five at right guard, three at center. He started the first four games this season at left tackle.

When it comes to a replacement, Scout.com lays out a couple of scenarios.

With Lobendahn out, either Andrew Vorhees or Austin Jackson could step into his place at left tackle. USC could also move other players around and allow Vorhees to come in and play a position he is more comfortable with, either right guard or right tackle.