CHAMPAIGN — USC receiver Ja’Kobi Lane trotted out onto the field of Gies Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning, dressed to play against Illinois.
The receiver, who ranks second on the team in receiving yards with 239 yards on nine catches, was listed as questionable heading into the game due to an undisclosed injury.
The junior saw limited playing time and first got into the game late in the first quarter for one play.
Head coach Lincoln Riley declined to provide an update on Lane in the week leading up to the game.
“We’re never really built around one person,” Riley told reporters Tuesday. “We try not to be, for reasons like that. If all the sudden that person’s not available, that changes things.”
There were other known injuries before the game and even more popped up as the game went on. Still, USC was trailing only 14-10 at halftime.
Offensive lineman Elijah Paige traveled with the team but was not dressed for Saturday’s game. The redshirt sophomore was on the field for warmups in a jersey and sweatpants, encouraging his teammates as they went through blocking drills.
Although he was dressed for warmups, defensive back Kamari Ramsey did not play in the first half and pater appeared in street clothes on the sidelines. He was not listed on the Big Ten Conference’s injury report in any capacity, but the FOX broadcasters said Ramsey became ill Friday night.
The redshirt junior has been an essential piece of the secondary this season, playing at nickel and also handling communication duties by relaying calls from the coaches on the sidelines through an in-helmet communication device. Kevin Longstreet played in his absence and was targeted often by the Illini.
Starting center Kilian O’Connor, a former walk-on, appeared to injure his left knee on a play halfway through the second quarter but was able to walk off the field with assistance from athletic trainers. Backup center J’Onre Reed came into the game in his place.
Before the start of the second half, O’Connor emerged from the tunnel with a brace on his left knee and using crutches.
This week’s captains
Quarterback Jayden Maiava, linebacker Eric Gentry, defensive lineman Devan Thompkins, snapper Hank Pepper and Ramsey were named captains for Saturday’s game at Illinois.
USC is choosing its captains on a weekly basis this season, although this week’s leaders are the same as last week’s.
Gentry earned Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week honors in last week’s 33-17 win over Michigan State. He logged eight solo tackles and three tackles for a loss of 19 yards while forcing three fumbles.
Maiava surpassed 1,000 passing yards this season in that same win.
Michigan game sold out
USC’s home game against Michigan was officially announced as a sellout Thursday. It’s the first time a game has sold out this season after last season’s games against Penn State, Nebraska and Notre Dame were at full capacity.
USC Athletics is encouraging fans who are still seeking tickets to utilize SeatGeek. Tickets for the Trojans’ remaining three home games against Northwestern, Iowa and UCLA are still available.