USC’s Su’a Cravens practices, appears likely to play against Cal

USC linebacker Su’a Cravens danced on the field to pre-practice music, participated in every drill and appeared as mobile and disruptive as ever.

With the sophomore’s status uncertain after he suffered a knee injury against Washington State last week, those were among the most positive scenes for the Trojans on Saturday as they practiced for the first time since their victory at Pullman, Wash.

Coach Steve Sarkisian had given players a week off to re-energize for Thursday night’s game against California, and rivalry games to come against UCLA and Notre Dame.

“Everybody had a little different pep in their step,” Sarkisian said after the workout.

All eyes were on Cravens, who had left Washington State on crutches.

The day after, Sarkisian said an MRI exam of Cravens’ knee showed “nothing structurally wrong.” The test results might have enabled Cravens to overcome a mental hurdle and recover quickly, Sarkisian said.

“Sometimes that goes directly to your mind,” he said, “like ‘OK, there isn’t anything really wrong in here.’”

Players were not made available to the media Saturday. But Cravens clearly benefited from the week off, which allowed him and other players to receive rehabilitative treatments without missing workouts.

Cravens showed he was on track to start against Cal at the Coliseum.

“I think he wants to capitalize on some more opportunities,” Sarkisian said. “He sees the opportunities he’s having at the position he’s playing and he wants to keep trying to take advantage of them.”

Cravens has 12 1/2 tackles for losses, including four sacks, and two interceptions.

He was one of several players who utilized the week off to heal.

Defensive end Leonard Williams, who has nursed a shoulder injury all season, participated in the full-pads workout.

Receiver Ajene Harris and fullback Soma Vainuku also went through the drills after rehabilitating hamstring injuries.

Sarkisian said he spent the week working to get ahead in the Cal game plan, recruiting and taking “a little bit of personal time.”

“Have a chance to take your kids to school or things of that nature — just to be normal for a couple days,” he said.

Two-dimensional

Cal’s offense features quarterback Jared Goff and a talented corps of receivers led by Bryce Treggs.

But the Golden Bears are not as one-dimensional as Washington State. Running back Daniel Lasco has averaged more than five yards per carry and has rushed for 10 touchdowns.

Quick hit

Sarkisian said the Trojans would again practice in full pads Sunday.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein