Tailback depth takes a new hit

USC tailback Chauncey Washington mainly credits three people for his lighter, sleeker physique.

According to the fifth-year senior, Chris Carlisle, Brandon Hancock and George Foreman helped him shed 24 pounds during the off-season.

Carlisle, USC’s strength coach, provided the workout regimen. Hancock, a former Trojans fullback and bodybuilding aficionado, supplied nutritional advice. And Foreman, the former boxing champion, was the namesake for the popular grill on which Washington prepared his high-protein meals.

“Chicken breasts, egg whites -- George Foreman did it all,” Washington said after arriving at training camp weighing 216 pounds.

On Wednesday night, as he walked out of the Coliseum with his right shoulder packed in ice and secured with a sling, Washington looked as if he had absorbed one too many body shots from a heavyweight fighter.

He injured his shoulder when it hit the ground after a carry early in the second half of the Trojans’ 77-play scrimmage. Washington, the team’s leading rusher last season, said he suffered a sprain and would have X-rays.

“I’ll be back, I’m a warrior,” said Washington, who had started the scrimmage with a 63-yard run off right tackle.

Washington’s injury wasn’t the only tailback issue that further depletes the Trojans once-renowned depth at the position.

Freshman Broderick Green, a standout in the last scrimmage, did not participate because the NCAA Clearinghouse has not certified him.

Green and receiver Brandon Carswell, who was cleared on Tuesday, had been practicing under a 14-day grace period while their academic records were reviewed. But the window closed Wednesday, putting Green’s status in doubt.

“All of his stuff is in there. I don’t know why this is taking so long but it is,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

Green’s situation leaves the Trojans without any of the tailbacks that were part of this year’s recruiting class.

Marc Tyler, who broke his leg last season at Westlake Village Oaks Christian High, has not practiced and appears on track to redshirt. Joe McKnight has not practiced for a week because of a stretched knee ligament.

In addition, sixth-year senior Hershel Dennis has not practiced because of knee soreness and sophomore C.J. Gable did not play Wednesday because of lingering groin soreness.

Those situations, coupled with Emmanuel Moody’s transfer, leaves sophomores Stafon Johnson and Allen Bradford and senior Desmond Reed as the Trojans only healthy and available tailbacks with the Sept. 1 opener against Idaho looming.

“Everybody wasted all that ink on how many tailbacks we have because we don’t -- it’s not like that,” Carroll said. “Unfortunately, we’re pretty thin right now. . . . We’ll find somebody to play come game time.”

It is becoming clear Johnson could play a major role. He raced 67 yards on his first carry and scored from one yard out on the next play. He also scored on a 14-yard run and finished with 89 yards in four carries. His only miscue was a fumbled punt.

Bradford also impressed, breaking off a 30-yard run and finishing with 56 yards in 10 carries against the first-team defense.

Quarterback John David Booty completed eight of 11 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Michael McDonald was eight of 20 for 68 yards and a touchdown, Aaron Corp was four of five for 42 yards and a touchdown, and Mitch Mustain was one of three for 12 yards. . . . Receiver David Ausberry had four receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. . . . Booty and defensive end Lawrence Jackson are on the watchlist for the Walter Camp player-of-the-year award.

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gary.klein@latimes.com