Sophomore Safety Is Latest Addition to USC Injury List

With its season opener still nearly two weeks away, the USC football team is battling a more immediate problem--injuries.

Doctors determined Tuesday that backup safety Lamont Hollinquest has a ruptured tendon in his left ring finger. The injury, which occurred last week, is expected to sideline the sophomore from four to five weeks.

Out from four to six weeks is fullback Raoul Spears after arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage in his right knee.

Last Friday, the team lost starting nose guard Don Gibson for six to eight weeks because of torn ligaments in his left knee.

The team will practice at UC Irvine through Saturday, then return to USC to prepare for its Sept. 4 opener against Illinois.