Offensive Line Hit by Injury Wave

It was only a matter of time.

Injuries to starters have tested USC’s depth at several positions this season, including fullback, receiver, cornerback, safety, linebacker and defensive tackle.

The offensive line appears on track to join the list on Saturday against Washington if starting right guard Chilo Rachal remains hobbled by a high ankle sprain.

Rachal, 6 feet 5 and 300 pounds, did not practice again Tuesday. Junior Alatini “Tiny” Malu worked with the first unit and is preparing for his first start.

“It’s a lot to ask,” Coach Pete Carroll said of Rachal’s chances of playing. “Tiny is ready to go.”

Malu, 6-4 and 330 pounds, has worked as a backup at both guard spots and at right tackle. “I have to push myself a little more to be ready if I’m going to start,” he said.

Offensive line coach Pat Ruel said redshirt freshman Nick Howell would back up Malu for a unit that also is expected to lose Jeff Byers for the rest of the season.

Byers, who plays guard and center, has been out since experiencing back soreness after the season opener. Byers had surgery to remove a cyst in his back on Sept. 15, and the sophomore said Tuesday that he is scheduled to have a season-ending procedure this week.

According to Byers, the operation is similar to the one quarterback John David Booty had on his back in March. “It’s frustrating,” Byers said. “But I’m just going to work to get back for spring.”

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Freshman Allen Bradford returned to tailback after meeting with Carroll on Monday night.

Bradford, who moved from safety to tailback during training camp, had requested and received permission to switch back to defense last week.

Bradford said he was at peace with his decision to play tailback because he sought counsel from the one person he’d avoided asking for advice: Carroll.

“I asked him, ‘What do you think? What position do you think I’m better at?’ ” Bradford said. “And he was like, ‘I’m surprised you asked me because you never asked me this before and I never wanted to answer for you.’

“We both agreed on offense.”

Bradford said he also asked Carroll: “Do you think I can win a Heisman?”

The coach’s response: “The sky’s the limit.”

“That gave me some motivation,” Bradford said. “With Coach Carroll believing in me, that I can do something, I’m really going to work hard and go out and do it.”

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Split end Dwayne Jarrett ran routes and caught passes for about an hour during non-contact drills then retreated to the training room for treatment on his injured left shoulder.

Jarrett was scheduled to see a team doctor Tuesday night and said he hoped to play on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson, two of a school-record 15 freshmen who have played this season, continued to prepare as back-ups to Patrick Turner. Hazelton said the extra work the last two weeks has made him more comfortable with the playbook and Booty.

“During training camp, I’d go into the huddle and it sounded like John David was talking Spanish,” Hazelton said.

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Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis participated in most drills and is expected to play on Saturday “if he survives the week,” Carroll said.... Running back C.J. Gable was held out of most drills because of a groin strain.... Safety Kevin Ellison (knee) did not practice, but he is expected to start on Saturday.... Washington Coach Tyrone Willingham on the fact that he is the last opposing coach to defeat USC at the Coliseum: “I don’t think it means anything special. Is it a nice fact? Yes.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

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UP NEXT

vs. Washington (4-1)

Saturday, Coliseum

12:30 p.m.

FSN Prime Ticket