USC football: Lineman Jordan Simmons suffers apparent injury

Ed Orgeron, USC’s interim coach, has stressed a looser, fun-filled atmosphere for players since replacing Lane Kiffin.

But an attempt at competitive fun produced a mishap Monday.

Offensive lineman Jordan Simmons was carted to the trainers’ table and then carted from the practice facility after suffering an apparent injury during a pre-practice drill in which coaches had offensive and defensive linemen compete in one-on-one pass coverage.

With players and coaches boisterously cheering, the 6-foot-4, 335-pound Simmons ran down the field and leapt for a pass. But Simmons came down hard on the turf and needed assistance to the sideline and cart. He was examined by athletic trainers and later by a team physician before he was carted to the locker room.

Simmons, a redshirt freshman, played briefly at right guard in place of Aundrey Walker against Notre Dame. Simmons had knee surgery before the 2012 season.

Coaches and players are not made available to the media Mondays during regular game weeks.

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