Hackett Hopes to Have Morton Back

Tailback Chad Morton practiced lightly again Wednesday, but he gave a thumbs up when asked how he’s doing and it looks likely he’ll be able to return Saturday against Washington State.

“I’m encouraged he’ll be available,” Coach Paul Hackett said. “Chad was a lot more active today. He’s got the smile back on his face.”

Morton, who has two 100-yard games this season, has sat out the last two games because of a bruised back, and Petros Papadakis is expected to start even if Morton plays.

“Chad definitely won’t start, but if he feels 100%, then we’ll throw him right in and let him go,” Hackett said. “If there’s more uncertainty, we’ll use him in certain situations.”

One situation Morton won’t be seen in for now is kickoff returns--despite his 98-yard return for a touchdown against Purdue.

Hackett said he’ll take the cautious route for now, and the Trojans are set with Daylon McCutcheon and R. Jay Soward to return kickoffs.

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Linebacker Mark Cusano, having an injury-plagued senior season, added a quadriceps strain to the hamstring and ankle injuries he already has overcome. Cusano didn’t hasn’t practiced this week after straining his quad Sunday, and whether he’s able to play Saturday is up in the air. . . . The 21-point lead USC blew in its 32-31 loss to Cal on Saturday wasn’t close to the Pacific 10 Conference record. Cal came from 30 points behind to beat Oregon, 42-41, in 1993. . . . Right tackle Matt Welch won’t play Saturday because of illness, and is undergoing tests to see if he might have mononucleosis after losing weight recently. Ken Bowen will play in his place. . . . With the season at its halfway mark, the players have elected captains for the rest of the year: Chris Claiborne (defense), Billy Miller and Morton (offense) and Adam Abrams (special teams).

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Next Up for USC

Who: Washington State

Where: at Washington State

When: Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West

Radio: XTRA (690)