USC

Tailback Chad Morton’s attempt to add bulk might have gotten the better of him this week.

Morton has a slight back strain from lifting weights, and Coach Paul Hackett said that although Morton will play against Oregon State, he probably won’t start after missing two practice days.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Hackett said, adding that Morton was all right after rushing for 110 yards in Saturday’s game but strained his back lifting later. “He doesn’t need to be on ESPN lifting barrels,” Hackett said. “He just needs to stay healthy the whole season. Maintain strength, don’t build it.”

Petros Papadakis will probably start instead, Hackett said.

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Center Matt McShane figures to sit out the game because of a sprained left knee but won’t require surgery, as Hackett had feared. Either David Pratchard or Jason Grain will start, with Donta Kendrick able to take over Grain’s starting left guard spot if Grain plays center. . . . Tight end Antoine Harris didn’t practice because of an ankle injury, leaving his ability to start in question. . . . Linebacker Mark Cusano resumed practicing after playing sparingly the first two games because of hamstring and ankle injuries. . . . Freshman Carson Palmer may make his first first-half appearance this week. “Maybe at the end of the second quarter,” Hackett said. “What I liked last week was after he threw the interception, and took all my guff, I was pleased with the way he responded.” Palmer returned to the game and threw the first touchdown pass of his career to Billy Miller.

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Next Up for USC

Who: Oregon State

Where: Coliseum

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West 2

Radio: XTRA (690)