USC’s Silas Redd to undergo surgery for torn meniscus

USC tailback Silas Redd, the Trojans’ leading rusher last season, will have knee surgery Tuesday but will be ready to play in the fall, Coach Lane Kiffin said Saturday.

Redd suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during practice Thursday. He attended Saturday’s scrimmage at the Coliseum but was in sweats.

Before he was injured, Redd had displayed improved speed and nimbleness. The senior, who transferred to USC from Penn State on the eve of training camp last year, also had taken on the role of mentor for younger players.

Redd is among several players injured during the first two weeks of practice, which have included multiple full-pads workouts.

“We’re paying the price of being physical,” Kiffin said after a scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Quarterback Max Wittek and receiver Marqise Lee sat out again because of knee injuries suffered during drills before the first scrimmage on March 9, but they are expected to return when practice resumes March 26.

Tight end Xavier Grimble (shoulder) had his left arm in a sling and could sit out the rest of spring practice. Offensive lineman Chad Wheeler (knee) will be sidelined the remainder of spring practice and fullback Soma Vainuku (knee) and running back Justin Davis (broken finger) also are among the injured.

Kessler impresses

With Wittek unable to practice the last week, Kiffin said he did not anticipate naming a starting quarterback by the end of spring.

“I don’t think so, but you never know,” he said. “Like I’ve said all along, it will answer itself when somebody really separates himself.”

Cody Kessler did all he could Saturday to improve his chances.

The third-year sophomore completed 13 of 19 passes for 161 yards, including a touchdown, during the 52-play scrimmage. Kessler connected with sophomore receiver Nelson Agholor on a 75-yard scoring play.

Kessler, ever diplomatic when discussing the quarterback competition, allowed that he was feeling comfortable taking first-team snaps.

“I would just say I feel right when we’re running with the 1s,” he said. “I feel like that unit — we click.”

Kessler said he would spend spring break working with private coach Steve Calhoun and Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, Washington quarterback Keith Price and Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo.

Quick hits

Tailback Javorious Allen rushed for 65 yards in 11 carries.... Agholor caught four passes for 165 yards …. Freshman defensive tackle Kenny Bigelow was credited with two sacks in what Kiffin described as his best practice…. Rich McKay, president and chief executive of the Atlanta Falcons, attended practice and addressed the team afterward…. With the next nine days off, Kiffin said he hoped players would “protect the team” and avoid potentially troublesome situations. “There’s going to be lessons all over the country, always on spring break unfortunately, of people making poor decisions,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s not us.” ... Max Browne completed six of nine passes for 69 yards, including one for 50 yards to freshman receiver Darreus Rogers.

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