Week off just what doctor ordered for injured players

USC returned to practice Monday, the first of four bye-week workouts that will serve mainly as a time for starters and key reserves to rehabilitate injuries.

Linebacker Keith Rivers, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the Trojans’ 24-17 victory over California, and linebacker Clay Matthews, who suffered a broken bone in his left hand, said the open date would allow them to be ready for the 11th-ranked Trojans’ Thanksgiving Day game against ninth-ranked Arizona State.

Offensive tackle Sam Baker also is expected to return after sitting out two games because of a torn hamstring.

“What I’d really like to do is come out of this break . . . even more healthy than we’ve been,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

USC has been buoyed in recent weeks by the return of linebacker Brian Cushing and could go into the Arizona State game nearer to full strength than at any time since training camp.

Quarterback John David Booty was among the starters who were held out of most drills Monday.

Booty said his right middle finger was feeling sound after throwing only 20 passes against Cal. He added that he did not want to take too many days off.

Neither does Rivers, who injured his left ankle while making a third-quarter tackle after his shoe came off.

“I’ll definitely be back -- there’s no question at all,” Rivers said. “It’s all about want-to. This is my last year and last couple of games. No way I miss that.”

Matthews injured his left hand for the second time this season. The broken thumb he suffered in the second game against Nebraska had finally healed going into the Cal game.

“I thought I was back to my old self and then this happens,” he said. “I really didn’t feel it when it happened, but then I looked down and saw my fingers were going sideways. I guess I need to start drinking more milk.”

Tailback Chauncey Washington said he was more sore Monday than he had been Sunday after his 29-carry, 220-yard performance against Cal.

Washington said he did not doubt that his time would come.

“You just have to be patient with things,” he said. “Eventually if you’re patient enough things will fall into place.”

Washington said he was not concerned about whether his role would be the same the rest of the season. He downplayed the notion that his performance would gain him more notice for the 2008 NFL draft.

“I’m not even thinking about that,” he said. “I just want to win these last two games and then go from there.”

Carroll, however, said he is certain that Washington is improving his pro stock.

“He’s making a great statement as far as where he will fit in,” Carroll said.

Cornerback Cary Harris was absent from practice because a member of his family was ill, Carroll said. . . . Carroll on the death Monday of Louis Galen, who with his wife Helen donated $35 million to build the Galen Center, USC’s year-old basketball arena: “It’s an enormous loss for the Trojan family. He was a guy that’s been so instrumental in support and contributing and bringing heart and soul to the program in so many ways.”

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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USC UP NEXT

at Arizona St. (9-1, 6-1)

Nov. 22, 5 p.m. PST, ESPN