Trojans QB expects to be healthy for Horns
USC quarterback JT Daniels is on track to play at Texas.
Daniels, who suffered a bruised throwing hand in the first quarter of last Saturday’s 17-3 loss at Stanford, returned to practice Tuesday and went through the padded workout without much issue.
“It’s a lot better,” Daniels said. “I’m close to 100 (percent) right now.”
Daniels seemed to progress throughout the two-hour practice at Howard Jones Field. Some of his earlier throws in individual drills looked more wobbly before showing a tighter spiral in 11-on-11 drills to conclude the practice.
Trojans coach Clay Helton said afterward he was left confident Daniels would be available to play against the Longhorns.
“I thought he was decisive, especially in our last period when we’re trying to give him the best look possible with our defense,” Helton said. “He let it go. I didn’t see any hesitation. I didn’t see any wincing. He had a good bruise. It hurts like heck when you bang it off the helmet. But after a couple days and rehab, it feels great. He really looked good.”
A day earlier, Daniels first resumed throwing during a light workout. It was an encouraging development after he had been expected to rest until Tuesday.
Helton said Daniels was also “spinning it really good” on Monday, though his hand had been tender.
MRI results revealed he had sustained a hand contusion against the Cardinal. He missed one series as a result of the injury, occurring when his hand landed on another player’s helmet on the opening drive following a throw.
“It’s just an adjustment I had to make,” Daniels said. “I can’t point you out to a specific. ‘Oh, like, I couldn’t throw the corner route.’ Or something like that. It was just an in-game adjustment. It’s football. And it happens. And it’s something I gotta be able to handle.”
Daniels, who became only the second true freshman in school history to start a season opener at quarterback in a win over UNLV, completed 16 of 34 passes for 215 yards with two lategame interceptions in Week 2 against Stanford.
Daniels said he was forced to make adjustments during the game regarding how he gripped the ball, but his hand had felt better enough in practice Tuesday that he felt it no longer necessary.
It is likely Daniels will face significant pressure in the pocket against Texas.
He already has through two games, as the Trojans have allowed six sacks, including four in the loss to Stanford.
Tight end help: Sophomore tight end Josh Falo returned to practice Tuesday, a boost to a position group that has seen a quiet start to the season.
The Trojans’ tight ends caught only two passes in the first two games — one each by Tyler Petite and Erik Krommenhoek.
Helton said Falo is “very close” to making a return after he missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury.
“Josh is an offensive weapon that we love to use,” Helton said. “He’s been effective for us in the past.”