USC Cornerback Simmons Is Likely to Miss the Season

USC cornerback Antuan Simmons is expected to sit out the season after serious complications from surgery to remove a benign abdominal tumor.

He has been hospitalized for six weeks after May 16 surgery to remove a large growth near his left kidney and has been in intensive care at times during his recovery.

Although he remains at USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital, he could be released soon and Dr. Donald G. Skinner has told USC he expects Simmons to recover fully and be able to return to football.

“Antuan underwent a very serious operation, but he has fought through it in an extraordinary way,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

“First and foremost, we have been most concerned about his well-being and recovery. Whether he is able to play for us this season remains to be seen. But he has been an impact player for us in the past and we expect him to continue in that fashion when he is ready to play again.”

Simmons, a senior and starter for three seasons, has seven interceptions and six blocked kicks in his career.

If Simmons redshirts as expected, USC might turn to sophomore Darrell Rideaux, who started two games at the end of last season when Simmons was out because of unrelated back surgery, or junior college transfer Chris Cash.