Cassel Gets Some Good News

USC reserve quarterback Matt Cassel received positive news Sunday when he learned immediate surgery would not be required for a knee injury he suffered in a scrimmage the day before.

Cassel, a redshirt sophomore battling redshirt freshman Matt Leinart to become Carson Palmer’s backup, chipped a bone under his right kneecap when knocked to the ground while throwing a pass Saturday. After reviewing results of an MRI exam with team physician James Tibone Sunday, Cassel said he could return in a week if swelling subsides.

“They said I might have some pain here and there,” Cassel said. “If worse comes to worst, maybe surgery after the season.”

Cassel will wear a brace when he returns but he said that beats surgery and missing four to six weeks.

“It’s a big relief,” he said. “I was expecting the worst and it turned out better than I thought.”

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Senior Malaefou MacKenzie and freshman Hershel Dennis are the only available tailbacks for today’s scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Seniors Justin Fargas and Sultan McCullough and sophomore Darryl Poston are nursing hamstring injuries.

MacKenzie, plagued by injuries throughout his career, is thrilled to be healthy.

“It’s kind of ironic that everybody else is hurt and I’m one of the only ones standing,” MacKenzie said. “It feels weird.”

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Safety Troy Polamalu, who suffered a mild concussion Thursday, participated in non-contact drills for the first time since the injury.

Coach Pete Carroll said Polamalu would not participate in the scrimmage. Neither will fullback Chad Pierson (hamstring), cornerback Kevin Arbet (ankle), receiver D. Hale (ankle) or defensive lineman Daniel Urquhart (neck), Carroll said. Receiver Kareem Kelly (hamstring) also might sit out.

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Junior Nate Steinbacher, a reserve offensive lineman the last two seasons, and freshman tight end Dominique Byrd were moved to the defensive line to provide depth because of Urquhart’s injury and Bernard Riley’s comeback from major knee surgery.

Steinbacher has not played defense since his junior season at Anaheim Esperanza High, but he jumped at the opportunity to move across the line and was embraced by his new group.

“It was welcome to the dark side,” he said. “I felt like Anakin Skywalker, like I was becoming Darth Vader.... I think I’ll enjoy tackling people. Now I can hold all I want.”

Byrd, from Minneapolis, played middle linebacker and wide receiver in high school. He dropped two passes in Saturday’s scrimmage, but Carroll said he could return to tight end in the future.

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Short kickoffs plagued the Trojans last season and Ryan Killeen was recruited from Mt. San Antonio College to correct the problem.

Killeen got an opportunity to show his talent Sunday morning during a light practice that featured special teams work.

Killeen kicked several balls into end zone, but finished with one that landed at the seven-yard line.

“I was a little shaky, trying too hard to do it for the coaches instead of for myself and doing what I know I need to do,” Killeen said. “I just need to let it rip.”

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Senior guard Zach Wilson, recovering from a strained left foot, said he will return to practice a week from today.... Junior cornerback Marcell Allmond will remain hospitalized for a few more days because of an infection.