Sartz Could Take Redshirt Option

USC linebacker Dallas Sartz returned to practice Monday, but the senior acknowledged that he might consider redshirting if a shoulder injury prevents him from playing against Notre Dame on Saturday or in the games that follow.

Sartz, the Trojans’ most experienced defensive player, dislocated his left shoulder against Arkansas and has sat out three games. He said he hoped to play against the Fighting Irish but would wait to see how his shoulder felt as the week progressed.

“Right now, I assume I am playing until they tell me otherwise,” Sartz said.

Coach Pete Carroll said Sartz was “questionable at best” to play on Saturday and that redshirting might be an option if the shoulder does not heal soon.

“I don’t think it’s ever ruled out of hand,” Sartz said of redshirting and returning for a final season of eligibility in 2006. “It’s a situational thing. I’ll have to figure some things out, talk to Coach Carroll and my family to see what’s the best way to go.”

Freshman Brian Cushing, who opened the season second on the depth chart behind Sartz, will almost certainly redshirt because of a shoulder injury suffered during practice after the opener against Hawaii.

Cushing said he is not in pain, but his shoulder is weak because of nerve damage. The New Jersey native had hoped to return for the Notre Dame game.

“This is a big reason why I came to SC, for games like this, especially Notre Dame,” he said. “I was real close to going there too.”

Sophomore Thomas Williams will continue to start at the strong-side spot and junior Ryan Powdrell will back him up, Carroll said.

*

Running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White and offensive linemen Ryan Kalil and Sam Baker were among a group of players that missed practice because of a study session for an exam, Carroll said. An MRI exam of Bush’s right knee revealed only a bruise, according to Carroll, who added that Bush will practice today.

*

Defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey, who sat out two games because of an ankle injury, practiced with the first unit and is expected to play Saturday.... Freshman cornerback Kevin Thomas, who sat out three games because of mononucleosis, went through the entire workout and said he would be ready to play against Notre Dame.... USC’s game against Washington on Oct. 22 at Seattle will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised by Channel 7.