The USC Trojans have more offensive line depth than last year, but absorbing injuries in the second game of the season will still create some anxiety for the team and its fans. Backup left guard Gino Quinones, inserted into Saturday’s game against Nevada in the first quarter as part of a planned series of multiple rotations by the coaching staff, suffered an apparent right leg injury in the first quarter. He was favoring that right leg when being helped off the field.
A key point to remember this year for USC is that the Trojans are playing games in nine straight weeks, from Week 4 (September 23 at Arizona State) through Week 12 (November 18 versus UCLA). USC will need as many available bodies as possible. Losing depth, even a little bit, could matter.
We will see how severe this injury turns out to be. We will provide updates on this story as events warrant during — and after — the Nevada game.
The way #USC OL Gino Quinones fell on that play did not look good.
The fifth-year junior has to be helped off the field.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) September 2, 2023
UPDATE:
Gino Quinones is being driven off the field on the back of a cart. He salutes the fans with a Fight On and gave some high fives during the timeout.
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) September 3, 2023
SECOND UPDATE:
Gino Quinones back on the sideline with his teammates but on crutches after leaving the field on a cart earlier. He has a large brace on his right leg.
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) September 3, 2023
Check out our Pac-12 football predictions roundtable for the 2023 season.