USC running back Tre Madden has not practiced since Monday due to a toe injury, and Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian has indicated that it will be a "game-time decision" whether Madden suits up for the opener against Fresno State.
Madden visited a specialist Thursday and was scheduled to see another Friday, Sarkisian said.
"When you start messing with a running back and his feet and his toes and the ability to push off, they don't just overnight all of a sudden get better," Sarkisian said.
Madden rushed for 100 yards in four of the first five games in 2013 before a hamstring injury limited his playing time down the stretch of the regular season, but he still finished as the team's second-leading rusher.
Javorius Allen may get the start against Fresno State regardless, but expect sophomore Justin Davis (6.8 yards per carry, six touchdowns in 2013) to see more action if Madden is not cleared to play. Injuries at other positions would have far more of an impact on the thin USC roster, but luckily the Trojans have three proven backs -- and a vicious fullback in Soma Vainuku -- to carry the load in 2014.
