Defensive Line Depth Is Latest Concern

USC’s concern shifted from its secondary to the defensive line on Wednesday as the top-ranked Trojans scrambled to fill possible holes created by injuries.

Defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey, who suffered a sprained ankle last week against Oregon, did not practice and his status for Saturday’s game at No. 14 Arizona State is uncertain. Ramsey’s backup, Travis Tofi, sat out because of back spasms.

“We’ve been on the verge of thin for a while,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said. “Thin has approached in a hurry all of a sudden.”

Redshirt freshman Fili Moala worked with the first unit in Ramsey’s place.

Junior end Rashaad Goodrum, sophomore end Alex Morrow and redshirt freshman Travis Draper took repetitions in the spot.

Moala said defensive line coach Jethro Franklin has pushed him to be ready for the opportunity if Ramsey is limited or unable to play.

“Basically, they just threw me in,” Moala said. “Here’s your shot. Make the best of it.”

Ramsey declined to discuss the condition of his ankle. Asked if he would be ready by Saturday, he said, “Possibly.”

Carroll usually requires injured players to practice at least once during the week before playing them.

Not this week.

“We’re not deep enough to be able to afford that -- we have to play him if he can go,” Carroll said.

USC’s depth problems could be exacerbated by a temperature that could be near 100 degrees for the 12:30 p.m. kickoff at Sun Devil Stadium. Two years ago at Arizona State, defensive linemen spent most of halftime tethered to intravenous drips because of the heat.

Asked if he was concerned about the combination of heat and depth problems, Carroll said, “It’s an issue.”

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Offensive lineman Drew Radovich, second on the depth chart at left guard, did not practice again because of a hip injury. The third-year sophomore will probably sit out the rest of the season and apply for a medical redshirt, his father said. Carroll said sophomore Alatini Malu or redshirt freshman Chilo Rachal would back up starter Taitusi Lutui.... Cornerback Justin Wyatt did not practice because of a sore ankle, but he said he would return today.... Running back Reggie Bush practiced for the first time this week after sitting out because of general soreness.... Safety Josh Pinkard, who crashed into a fence during practice on Tuesday, went through the full workout without problems.