USC TE Malcolm Epps could provide reinforcement in San Jose State game
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — With the first week of the season here, the USC football team got some good injury news on Tuesday.
USC tight end Malcolm Epps returned to practice on Tuesday after missing much of training camp with turf toe. The Texas transfer, who spent most practices in August in a walking boot, could be available for Saturday’s season opener against San Jose State. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tight end Malcolm Epps returned to practice after missing much of camp with turf toe. The Texas transfer, who spent most practices in August in a walking boot, looked like his old self, moving crisply on the field and cutting off both feet.
If there are no setbacks from his return to action, USC head coach Clay Helton expects Epps to be available for Saturday’s game against San Jose State.
“Today was a big day for Malcolm, to be able to see him full-speed and full pads, looked really good,” Helton said. “He looked good to me today. So we’ll see how he comes out, we’ll see the soreness tomorrow but he was very positive all day today.”
Epps, along with the emergence of freshman Michael Trigg and the return of Jude Wolfe from injury, was a major part of USC’s refashioning of its tight end position this offseason. He saw limited action as a sophomore at Texas, with three catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
He transferred to USC in May. But despite not participating in spring ball, Helton expects Epps to be ready to contribute so long as he is healthy.
“He’s been in all the meetings. He’s basically been Trigg’s coach the whole way through the last couple weeks. And obviously a vet,” Helton said. “So he knows this offense inside and out and is ready to go when called upon.”
Not all medical updates were good ones for the Trojans on Tuesday, though. Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. is in the health and safety protocols, Helton said, and is unlikely to be cleared to play against the Spartans on Saturday.
That gives USC one less receiver with some experience to play in the opener, but Helton said he feels optimistic about where USC is at given the Trojans have transfers like Tahj Washington and K.D. Nixon to help balance out some of the younger receivers in the rotation.
“And the ability to use these big creatures at tight end, you’ll be able to see some of these involved in the passing game,” Helton said. “So even though we may not have Gary in this game, we feel confident with the rest of the guys that are in that room.”
TULIAUPUPU RETURNS TO PRACTICE
It’s been a long time coming, but linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu (58) returned to live, 11-on-11 reps in practice on Tuesday.
Tuliaupupu was a highly-touted recruit when he committed to USC out of Mater Dei as part of the 2018 recruiting class. But a foot injury suffered in a car crash that year required surgery and cost him both the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
An ACL tear during 2020 summer workouts again put Tuliaupupu out for a year. The redshirt junior worked on the sidelines for most of fall camp, but on Tuesday he worked at defensive end as part of the scout team defense, a brace on his ankle to give him a little more security.
“I do think somewhere down the road he’s going to be able to help us this season. We’re taking a little bit at a time,” Helton said. “We’ve invested a lot into this and we’re so close, we want it to be at his pace – not ours. And you can see that confidence growing. Right now I’m just so happy for him because he’s so happy to be out here and running around and playing the game he loves.”
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SC should be strong at tight end by the million dollar question is whether Harrell have Slovis throw the ball to them. Up until now, the tight end position has been underutilized in my opinion in this crap Air Raid Offense we run.
Five coaches who must win (J. Brady McCollough, LAT) Scott Frost, Nebraska — Frost, the former Nebraska quarterback, is 12-20 as the head coach in Lincoln. The pressure only grew with recent allegations of an NCAA investigation into Nebraska improperly using analysts and consultants. Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech — The Hokies are falling fast from the consistency they enjoyed under legendary Frank Beamer. Virginia Tech has two losing seasons out of the last three, and Fuente has to bounce back. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan — After going 2-4 in 2020 and bringing an 0-5 record against Ohio State into his seventh season, Harbaugh needs… Read more »
Last night Colts keep Marvell Tell on their roster…………… About 3 hours ago Colts announce release of Marvell Tell to make room for Tyler Vaughns. (Probably not the way Tyler wanted to make an NFL roster ).
Safeties kept by the 49ers on their 53-man roster: Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Jaquiski Tartt, Tavon Wilson
NinerNoise.com — “The emergence of rookie Talanoa Hufanga, in tandem with Jaquiski Tartt coming off the physically unable-to-perform list, meant San Francisco had a stockpile of safeties at the end of the preseason, ultimately forcing some tough choices.
“The big one being a former first-round draft pick, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, saw himself released despite recording an interception and lengthy return in the 49ers’ exhibition finale.”
Tyler Vaughns has been waived by the Colts.
Olaijah Griffin has been waived by the Bills.
Doesn’t surprise me. Neither had great speed. Both were in the 4.6 range. Vaughns was a great route runner and had, at times, great hands, but would drop passes. He was not quick and could not separate from DBs. That works well at the collegiate level, not the pro. Griffin (who left early) was quick but lacked speed. There are many pro receivers in the 4.3 to 4.4 range. He was I think also 4.6. That is safety speed, not CB speed. Griffin was never an impact player like Hufanga was. He was a solid collegiate CB and could have… Read more »
Hopefully, each somehow hooks up with a practice squad. In the meantime, it’s Face Reality Time for two good but not great Trojans on the field. I’m not really aware of how they have performed so far in the NFL, often against each team’s most inferior talent.
Vikings release Everson Griffen, could bring him back later this week Everson Griffen returned to the Vikings with a mix of remorse and gratitude for being back with the team he knew well. His stay lasted eight days. The Vikings released Griffen as part of the team’s cuts to 53 on Tuesday, the team announced. Griffen could return to Minnesota in the coming days, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, as the veteran wants to finish his career with the Vikings. His release could merely be procedural, with the Vikings keeping others before making corresponding moves that could free up space… Read more »