Lane returns to practice, but his status and Paige’s unclear

Wideout, left tackle may not be available Saturday. Richardson could step in again.

- By Ryan KarRTJE

As USC enters a critical stretch of its conference slate, it’s unclear if it'll have its star wideout or starting left tackle ready to play.

Junior wideout Ja’Kobi Lane returned to practice on Tuesday after sitting out last Saturday’s win over Michigan State with an upper body injury he suffered the week before. But junior offensive tackle Elijah Paige was not seen entering or leaving USC's practice field.

USC coach Lincoln Riley declined to provide an update on Lane or Paige on Tuesday and instead referred reporters to the Big Ten’s availability report, which is released two hours before kickoff every Saturday.

Without Lane, who is averaging almost 27 yards per catch this season, USC was forced to count on senior Jaden Richardson, who had just one catch coming into last Saturday’s game. He doubled that output against Michigan State and would presumably play a similar role if Lane is unable to play.

“He's really created his ownvalue here,” Riley said of Richardson. “He can play any of the receiver positions in our offense. Just does alot ofthings well.”

Lane came out for early warm-ups last Saturday in shorts and a sweatshirt and appeared as if he’d try to play. But when the team returned in full pads, Lane came out of the tunnel several minutes later in street clothes.

It’s not clear how close Lane was to playing then or how seriously USC was considering the possibility. After the game, Riley described his injury as only “inconclusive.”

USC has a bye next week after its trip to Illinois.