At Least Trojans Getting Healthier

Carson Palmer and Kareem Kelly sounded optimistic after Wednesday’s practice, halfway through a week in which the quarterback and receiver have been healthy enough to work together.

Both players missed much of practice last week because of injuries and had off-days against Oregon. Now, Kelly said he has recovered from his thigh injury and he can run at full speed.

“We’re getting our timing back,” he said, “taking advantage of our health.”

Coach Paul Hackett has made it a goal to work on throwing the ball deep. That’s fine by Palmer, who connected on a number of long passes in practice.

“All quarterbacks would rather throw it downfield rather than just the slants and hitches,” he said.

The team practiced in shorts--unusual for a Wednesday--because Hackett wants to practice harder than usual today and does not want his team to be fatigued before the trip to Stanford.

*

With Kris Richard still bothered by a knee injury, reserve safety Frank Strong will return punts against Stanford. Strong, who normally handles kickoffs, returned one punt for three yards against Oregon.

“He’s really getting a good feel for it,” Hackett said. “If we’re not playing a lot of nickel [defense], he’s the rested guy. You want the guy who’s rested.”

Richard was feeling better Wednesday but the coaching staff has yet to decide how much he will play on defense and special teams.

*

Among the other injured Trojans, safety Ifeanyi Ohalete has reportedly responded to treatment for an injured ankle and may be ready for Stanford. Hackett was also hopeful about defensive tackle Ryan Nielsen.