Bing Questionable for Arkansas Game

USC safety Darnell Bing, who returned an interception for a touchdown in the Trojans’ season-opening victory over Hawaii, said Friday that he is questionable for next Saturday’s home opener against Arkansas because of a hip injury.

Bing was hurt during the third quarter against Hawaii and did not practice this week. He is walking with a limp.

“The pain has gone away a little bit, but I still haven’t jogged around on it, so I have no idea how it’s going to go,” he said.

Sophomore Josh Pinkard worked at strong safety throughout the week and will start if Bing cannot play.

As USC finished its bye-week practices, Bing was the only starter questionable for Arkansas because of injury. However, the Trojans’ depth along the defensive line took another hit when end Chris Barrett sustained a left calf strain on Thursday.

Barrett was on crutches Friday and said doctors told him he would be out three weeks, meaning the third-year sophomore would sit out games against Arkansas and Oregon.

“It’s bad because I was finally healthy,” said Barrett, who missed part of spring practice because of a torn right calf muscle and also has had back and shoulder problems during his career.

Barrett is the third defensive end to sustain an injury. Sophomore Jeff Schweiger broke a bone in his foot on the first day of training camp and is recovering from surgery. Freshman Kyle Moore sprained his right knee against Hawaii and did not practice this week.

With Moore and Barrett out, junior Rashaad Goodrum and sophomore Alex Morrow backed up starters Lawrence Jackson and Frostee Rucker.

Sophomore nose tackle Sedrick Ellis did not practice Friday but said he was given the day off to rest “a couple little bumps and bruises.”

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Running back LenDale White took part in Friday’s one-hour practice and said the sore hamstring that kept him out part of the week was fine.

White also said he was feeling better mentally after a visit from his mother this week. White said he was upset after last Saturday’s game against Hawaii because of confusion stemming from a phone call he received from a family member immediately afterward.

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Trojan reserves participated in a 30-play scrimmage before the team broke for two days off. Coach Pete Carroll delivered his usual pre-break speech before dismissing his players. He said he talked about “staying out of bad situations and places and things where you can find problems.”

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Several players did not participate in the 2 p.m. practice because it conflicted with class schedules, Carroll said.... Trojan coaches were scheduled to attend high school and junior college games Friday and today. ... USC resumes practice Monday.