Orange County Register

USC’s coaches are cautiously optimistic that they’ll have a fully healthy Joe McKnight available for Saturday’s game against Cal.

He just has to get through Thursday.

The sophomore tailback appeared to be his usual quick, darting self last week before aggravating his turf toe injury during Thursday’s practice. He sat out the Washington game, his second missed game in three weeks. He played sparingly, and ineffectively, at Arizona on Oct. 25.

On Wednesday, McKnight showed signs that he’s full speed ahead, leaving one Trojans defender grasping for air after a stop-and-start move in a full-contact rushing drill.

“He looked good on Wednesday last week,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “So we’ve got to make it through the next couple days.”

McKnight has missed several practices since training camp because of a variety of ailments.

More from the USC blog:

• USC football: Ronnie Lott and a good cause
• USC football: Blake Ayles likely out vs. Cal
• USC football: Leinart helps fend off Sark attacks
• USC football: Sanchez, Maualuga in elite company
• USC football: Three reasons USC will beat Cal
• USC football: Three reasons Cal will beat USC

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