USC offensive tackle Chad Wheeler suffers season-ending knee injury

USC left tackle Chad Wheeler sustained a season-ending right knee injury against Utah, and linebacker J.R. Tavai will be sidelined for a few weeks because of a knee sprain, Coach Steve Sarkisian said Sunday.

Wheeler, a third-year sophomore, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament Saturday night during the Trojans’ 24-21 loss at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The 6-foot-7, 280-pound Wheeler had started every game since last season. He was injured on the third play against Utah, but did not leave the game until after seven or eight more plays, Sarkisian said.

Coaches were unaware that Wheeler had been injured, said Sarkisian, who praised Wheeler’s physical and mental toughness.

“He fought through it until he just couldn’t anymore,” Sarkisian said during a teleconference with reporters. “That’s the biggest thing we lose without him being out there.”

Senior Aundrey Walker replaced Wheeler against Utah; he will start on Saturday at Washington State.

Walker, 6-6 and 315 pounds, has started 18 games at tackle and guard.

Last season, Walker suffered a season-ending ankle injury against UCLA. He underwent surgery, was sidelined for spring practice and was slow to return and earn playing time through training camp and the first half of the season.

“I thought Aundrey did an admirable job stepping in against a really good defensive line, against a very good pass rusher in Nate Orchard,” Sarkisian said. “So I think he’ll continue to improve.”

Scott Felix, who had a team-best nine tackles against Utah, is expected to start in place of Tavai.

Sarkisian said tailback Javorius Allen suffered a minor shoulder injury but would not be sidelined.