Receiver Kelly in Accident

USC receiver Kareem Kelly was involved in a minor car accident and missed practice Tuesday.

Kelly, who commutes from Orange County each day, was driving his girlfriend’s car on surface streets when he was struck by another automobile.

“It was nothing bad,” he said. “Just a little rear-ender.”

The junior was not hurt and expected to be at practice today.

Coach Pete Carroll, who has strict rules regarding absences, said he would need to speak with Kelly before determining his status as a starter for the Arizona game on Saturday.

The Trojans are already thin at receiver with Marcell Allmond suspended for the season and Grant Mattos hobbled because of a knee sprain.

On Tuesday, reserve quarterback Matt Cassel practiced at receiver on numerous snaps. Afterward, Carroll played catch with him--something the coach has done to tutor his receivers.

Cassel lined up in the slot on a handful of plays against Notre Dame. In the third quarter, he got the ball on a reverse and had the option to throw downfield, but the opposing safety and cornerback dropped into coverage. Cassel ran for four yards and plowed into an audio technician on the sideline.

Coaches have told him to be ready for more action this weekend. They say he has the quickness and hands to play receiver but the redshirt freshman has no plans to switch.

“Definitely not,” he said. “I’m eager to get out there at [quarterback], but it’s not my turn yet.”

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Linebacker Bobby Otani twisted his right knee at the end of practice and had to be helped off the field. The freshman was not scheduled to see a doctor until Tuesday night, but Carroll suspected the injury was serious.

Among other injured players, tailback Sultan McCullough has undergone aggressive rehabilitation for an abdominal strain this week, but the prognosis for a return this week was not good. “He doesn’t look like he’s making much progress,” Carroll said.

Starting guard Zach Wilson, who injured his right arm against Notre Dame, was scheduled to meet with a doctor on Tuesday night. Wilson was expected to miss practice again today but said he would play Saturday.

With McCullough doubtful for the Arizona game, coaches had been considering returning linebacker Frank Strong to tailback, where he played previously. Carroll said that idea has been scratched. Chad Pierson and Chris Howard will back up Sunny Byrd.