Cody’s Status Uncertain

Defensive tackle Shaun Cody suffered what was diagnosed as a slight knee sprain during drills Saturday, but it sent a major shiver across the practice field. “You feel that quick pain and you get real scared,” he said.

Coach Pete Carroll was equally worried he might lose the freshman who has turned into a defensive stalwart. Cody, who stayed on the sideline with ice on his knee, was scheduled to receive therapy this morning and test the injury on the field. With the Trojans scheduled to scrimmage under game-like conditions today, his status was uncertain.

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Reserve quarterback Matt Cassel and his mother met with coaches Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Cassel had a long talk with offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

The redshirt freshman figures to be ensconced behind starter Carson Palmer for at least another season. He also faces competition from freshmen Matt Leinart and Billy Hart.

In the meantime, coaches would like to make regular use of the athleticism that had him catching a pass and throwing key blocks as an H-back in a recent game at California. Though Cassel has insisted he will remain patient, a source said he is unhappy about venturing too far from quarterback.

Cassel’s standing would improve if Palmer leaves early for the NFL, but the only way that might happen--other than an unexpected big-money offer--would be the departure of Chow for a head coaching job elsewhere.

“It would definitely be tough,” Palmer said. “But I’m not counting on that.”

Chow remains in the running for the Vanderbilt opening, which would pay $1 million a year, but has not interviewed with the school.