On Tuesday, USC officially kicked off its 2026 spring football. The Trojans held the first of their 15 spring practices that will take place over the next month.
Following the practice, head coach Lincoln Riley provided some injury updates. Notably, he mentioned six players who will be limited this spring: defensive backs, Chasen Johnson, Christian Pierce, and Jontez Williams, offensive linemen Killian O’Connor and Justin Taunuu, and wide receiver Tanook Hines.
Johnson’s status is not a surprise, as he missed the final 10 games of the 2025 season with a knee injury. However, several of the others are notable developments, especially Hines, who will look to step up as USC’s top receiver this upcoming season following the departures of Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, and Lake McRee.
Obviously, not having the aforementioned players as full participants in spring practice is not ideal for the Trojans. Given that we are still nearly six months away from actual games, however, it makes sense that they are being cautious right now. Hopefully, all six players will be fully healthy be the time fall camp rolls around in July and ready to go for USC’s opener against San Jose State in late August.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Lincoln Riley gives injury updates as USC opens 2026 spring practice
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
