Colorado Back Says He Won’t Play

Colorado tailback Cortlen Johnson, who injured the big toe on his right foot in the Buffaloes’ 28-24 loss to Colorado State, said he does not expect to play Saturday against USC.

Johnson, a junior, was Colorado’s leading rusher against the Rams with 121 yards in 17 carries. He started 10 of 11 games last year and will be replaced by freshman Marcus Houston, who ran for 98 yards in 18 carries against Colorado State.

Johnson has been wearing a protective boot all week and has not been able to practice.

“The pain is just too much to bear. I can’t plant on my right foot,” he said.

Johnson hopes to be back in the lineup for the Buffaloes’ Sept. 16 game against Washington and former Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel.

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As the Trojans began another week of practice, the fact that they have not played since late August was not sitting well with Coach Paul Hackett.

At practice Tuesday, Hackett barked at his team about picking up the tempo in preparation for Colorado, which will be trying to rebound from the loss to Colorado State.

“Here they are mad as hornets,” he said. “Here we are just trying to get a routine.”

To make matters worse, the Trojans have another week off after the Colorado game.

“It’s the timing,” Hackett said. “It’s not good.”

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Safety Matt Grootegoed will be tested for mononucleosis and Hackett said he will not play Saturday. . . . Nathan Goodson suffered an asthma attack at practice and was taken to nearby California Hospital for a precautionary examination. The freshman defensive end was given oxygen and returned to campus shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Petros Papadakis missed practice because of illness and Malaefou MacKenzie practiced lightly on a sore hamstring. That meant fullback Chad Pierson got carries as the No. 4 tailback. . . . Junior college transfer Carlos Acosta, a center who took a leave of absence during camp, informed coaches that he will not play for the team this season.