Ellison Awaits Word on Knee

USC freshman safety Kevin Ellison had an MRI exam on his injured left knee on Monday and said he was expecting the worst when doctors evaluate the results today.

Ellison was injured while intercepting a pass that set up the Trojans’ final touchdown in their 38-28 comeback victory over Arizona State on Saturday. He said he would have surgery as soon as possible if doctors confirm that he tore ligaments.

“Whatever it is, I’ll move on and get through it,” he said.

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USC quarterback Matt Leinart mostly rested at practice because of the aftereffects of a late hit sustained against Arizona State.

Leinart was knocked out of the game for a few plays after Sun Devil linebacker Robert James leveled him in the first quarter.

“He’s pretty beat up,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “We’re just making sure he’s all right.”

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Defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey did not practice but said the ankle injury that forced him to miss the Arizona State game was improving. He said he would return “whenever I’m able to run on it or push on it and be effective.” ... Flanker Steve Smith was not at practice. Carroll said he was not absent because of disciplinary reasons.... Cornerback Kevin Thomas, who was diagnosed with mononucleosis before the Oregon game, said doctors cleared him to participate in individual drills. He said he would be examined again next week with hopes of resuming contact drills.

-- Gary Klein