Knee Surgery Is Set for Vanderboom

USC’s tight end situation, already a concern because of starter Alex Holmes’ lingering calf injury, could become more problematic after backup Nick Vanderboom undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery today.

Vanderboom said Monday that he suffered minor damage to his right knee during Saturday’s victory over Stanford. He said he would sit out two to three weeks after surgery.

The top-ranked Trojans don’t play again until Oct. 9, when they face No. 10 California at the Coliseum.

Freshmen Fred Davis and Dale Thompson are healthy, but USC is hoping that junior tight end Dominique Byrd will be ready to return against the Golden Bears.

Byrd, a junior, suffered torn ligaments in his left knee last October against Stanford and had season-ending surgery.

A week before training camp began, Byrd suffered a broken knee cap playing basketball.

Byrd performed drills Monday as the Trojans went through a light workout without pads. Byrd said he would not participate in contact drills until next week.

“As far as me getting out there, they’re encouraging me but they also want me to be healthy,” he said.

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Senior cornerback Ronald Nunn is scheduled to have surgery today to remove a polyp from his sinus area.... Freshman defensive lineman Jeff Schweiger did not practice and said he is awaiting results from an MRI exam on his left knee.... Defensive lineman Manuel Wright said he is awaiting results of tests performed last week for a condition that has caused him stomach discomfort and weight loss since training camp.... Tailback LenDale White (ankle), fullback Lee Webb (foot) and Matt Grootegoed (headaches) did not practice.... With the Minnesota Vikings having a bye idle this week, former USC All-American defensive lineman Kenechi Udeze attended practice.... After conferring with the Pacific 10 Conference’s director of officials, Stanford adjusted the final statistics of Saturday’s game. USC’s Matt Leinart was charged with an interception on a second-quarter play. Leinart had been credited with a 24-yard pass to Steve Smith in what was initially ruled by the statistics crew as a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Mike Silva. Leinart’s corrected statistics for the game: 23 for 30 for 284 yards and a touchdown with one interception.