Heading into Saturday’s season opener versus Missouri State, USC football appears to be mostly healthy. However, the Trojans will be without one notable player, as on Tuesday, head coach Lincoln Riley announced that kicker Caden Chittenden will not be ready in time for Saturday.
Chittenden is entering his first season with the Trojans after transferring in from UNLV. As a true freshman with the Rebels last year, Chittenden quickly established himself as one of the top kickers in the country, being named a freshman All-American. Earlier this offseason, he was named a preseason second-team All-American.
With Chittenden out, the Trojans will turn to redshirt freshman Ryan Sayeri. Sayeri recorded one punt in the Las Vegas Bowl last season, but did not attempt any kicks.
USC should be able to beat Missouri State with a Trojans Wire writer at kicker. But if Chittenden is out for an extended period of time, it could pose issues for the Trojans down the line.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC kicker Caden Chittenden out for Saturday’s season opener vs. Missouri State
Reporting by Adam Bradford, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
