Back Problem Sidelines Booty Indefinitely

USC quarterback John David Booty, who was regarded as the front-runner to succeed Matt Leinart as the starter, missed practice Thursday because of back spasms and could face surgery if the condition causing the spasms does not correct itself, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Booty injured his back during the Trojans’ first spring workout Tuesday but completed the practice. On Wednesday, however, he had an MRI exam and Thursday received an epidural injection.

Booty was not at practice Thursday and was not available for comment.

Carroll said he did not know the test results and that it was unclear when Booty would return. He said team doctors would wait until the spasms abated before deciding a course of action.

“If after about two weeks he hasn’t responded then they have to think more seriously about what the next step is,” Carroll said.

It is expected that trainers will attempt to help resolve the problem by having Booty focus on strengthening his core. But if Booty has a herniated disk, he might opt for a surgical procedure that would sideline him for at least six weeks.

Booty has had back problems before. In his first training camp in 2003 he missed three days because of back spasms and shin splints. A bone scan was performed on his back and he received an epidural injection before he returned.

Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said Booty had gotten off to a good start before the injury.

“He came out here as if he was the starter and it didn’t matter who else was on the field,” Kiffin said. “He was everything you could want.”

Booty’s absence turned the focus to redshirt freshman Mark Sanchez, who took the majority of the first-team repetitions and clearly relishes the chance to compete for the starting job.

Sanchez said he was “just trying to champion the cause, champion the opportunity and show the guys that I can do it and let them know that I’m a guy that can play.”

Quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian said Sanchez was performing well.

“We just need him to function at a little better pace,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a little late on a couple throws here and there but he’s making very good decisions. He hasn’t turned the ball over in two days. That’s half the battle.”

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Receiver Dwayne Jarrett did not practice because he has class on Thursdays, Carroll said.