Linebacker’s Release Set

USC officials said Wednesday that linebacker Daniel Urquhart is expected to be released from the hospital today after being treated for a staph infection, the fifth Trojan player to be hospitalized with the condition since training camp opened in August.

In September, The Times reported that before their first game, seven USC players became infected -- and four of them hospitalized -- with a painful staph skin infection not treatable with most common antibiotics. The infections are becoming increasingly common in competitive sports.

Public health officials praised USC for its response to the preseason outbreak, which included sanitizing locker-room facilities and equipment, as well as encouraging good hygiene among players. USC also took nasal swabs from the entire football team to check for staph bacteria.

Urquhart, a redshirt junior, has not played or practiced since Oct. 11 when he suffered a neck injury early in the game against Stanford at the Coliseum. He attended workouts last week with his left arm in a sling but did not travel to Notre Dame. Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director, said Urquhart was hospitalized on Monday for an infection in his right elbow.

Tessalone also said that Manuel Wright, a freshman defensive lineman, has been practicing this week with a heavy bandage beneath his chin for a milder staph infection.

Staph is a common skin organism -- many people carry it without ill effect -- and it typically causes infection when it enters a skin opening. Experts do not believe it is spread through the air.

The skin infections usually are mild and can be treated successfully with antibiotics and proper skin care, including regularly changing bandages. The cases identified at USC before the season, known as methicillin-resistant staph, do not respond to the most frequently used antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin.

In some cases, the bacteria can lead to life-threatening blood or bone infections that require extensive hospitalization.

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Linebacker Matt Grootegoed (high ankle sprain) did not practice again and said he was scheduled to meet with doctors Wednesday night to discuss his status. Sophomore Dallas Sartz continued to work in Grootegoed’s place. ... Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers (knee sprain) performed individual drills, and Coach Pete Carroll said Rogers was on track to play against Washington. ... Safety Jason Leach participated in all drills for the first time since receiving several stitches above his right eye on Monday. ... Tight end Dominique Byrd is scheduled to have knee surgery today.