Injured starters back at practice

After nearly three weeks of players sitting out practices to rest or rehabilitate injuries, USC on Wednesday began game-week preparations for the Rose Bowl with nearly all starters participating.

Senior running back Chauncey Washington, who had been nursing a hip injury, junior offensive lineman Chilo Rachal (knee) and senior linebacker Keith Rivers (ankle) took part in the one-hour workout before the Trojans boarded buses and headed to Disneyland for their first official bowl activity.

“I told these guys in the [pre-practice] meeting that they’ve got to get going -- they have to practice and they have to get out there and show that they’re back,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “In essence, I just kind of threw the gauntlet down. ‘Fellas, it’s time to compete.’ ”

Washington, the Trojans’ leading rusher, said he felt fine and that he would play on New Year’s Day against Illinois.

Rachal also worked with the first-team offense, the first time he has practiced since injuring his right knee during the Trojans’ first bowl practice on Dec. 7. The Trojans held their collective breath late in the workout when the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Rachal tumbled to the ground after tripping over nose tackle Sedrick Ellis.

“That was nothing,” Rachal said, chuckling. “The days that I stepped back from practice got the knee stronger. It feels a lot better.”

Rivers also worked with the first-team defense, but his fitness will be tested in the coming days when the Trojans extend their workouts. Receiver Patrick Turner remained sidelined because of a quadriceps injury.

Quarterback John David Booty noted the faster pace and urgency of Wednesday’s workout.

“You just know it’s getting close,” he said of the Rose Bowl. “You know you’ve got to get right. . . . No more sitting on the sidelines waiting for next week to come and then get ready. This is that week.”

Tailback Joe McKnight was absent from practice because of a flight delay, Carroll said, but the freshman returned to campus in time to accompany the Trojans to Disneyland.

Booty, a fifth-year senior, said that although the Trojans would experience the same bowl activities for the third year in a row, he had no complaints. Citing the freshmen, he said, “It’s always fun to watch the guys who are going through this the first time.”

With the New England Patriots positioned to possibly finish the NFL regular season and postseason unbeaten, Carroll said it would take an extraordinary performance by an opposing player, a la Vince Young against the Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl, for the Patriots to fall.

Carroll coached the Patriots in 1997-99.

“I think these guys are right on track,” he said. “I can’t imagine somebody’s going to get them unless something crazy happens.”

The Trojans were scheduled to check into a Century City hotel Wednesday night. . . . USC will practice today at 1:30 p.m., and then participate in the Lawry’s Beef Bowl. The Trojans’ other practice times: Friday 1:30 p.m.; Saturday 1:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m. Monday’s workout is closed to the public.

gary.klein@latimes.com