Mark Sanchez’s performance in practice Wednesday had USC coach Pete Carroll declaring that “hope is alive” for the quarterback to start the season opener Aug. 30 at Virginia.
“He’s got a real chance,” Carroll said. “I’m not making any choices or decisions right now. I don’t need to. But I’m really encouraged by that.”
Sanchez threw passes in 7-on-7 drills for the first time since he dislocated his left kneecap Aug. 8. He reported no new swelling a day after throwing to receivers for the first time since getting hurt, saying: “My knee felt good. I didn’t even think twice about it.”
Sanchez is expected to participate in drills Thursday but won’t play in USC’s final intrasquad scrimmage of training camp. Aaron Corp will start and split reps with Mitch Mustain, who started the previous scrimmage.
In order to start against Virginia, Sanchez needs to return to practice full time by Monday or Tuesday of next week. That remains his target.
In the meanwhile, he’s shaking off some rust and releasing some pent-up energy. Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said Sanchez threw his first pass Wednesday “like Jonathan Papelbon – a 99-mile-an-hour fastball.” The pass whizzed past tailback Joe McKnight, who was reluctant to reach back for it and expose his still-healing right hand.
“I was really excited,” Sanchez said. “I ripped it right by Joe. It wasn’t even close. That ball was moving. That was a good sign.
“I toned it down a little after that. It was good, though. I needed that, just to get one out of me.”
Sanchez completed 3 of 7 passes during the 7-on-7 session, including one interception and one drop.
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