USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Injury Update: USC's Nate Clifton Carted to Locker Room

The USC Trojans are facing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in week nine of the season. USC defensive lineman Nate Clifton was carted into the locker room while Rutgers star running back Kyle Monangai exited the game for a few plays before returning.

USC Trojans defensive lineman Nate Clifton against LSU. Clifton was injured against Rutgers on Friday, Oct. 26. / USC Trojans Football

The USC Trojans are facing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in week nine of the college football season. The Trojans drove downfield on their first possession, scoring a touchdown to take the lead early on. It has been a dominant performance for USC in the first half. The Trojans lead 28-12 at halftime.

In the second quarter of the game, Rutgers star running back Kyle Monangai was seen down on the field. Monangai was able to stand, and he was seen rubbing his eyes. Monangai is their top offensive weapon. Rutgers still drove down the field to score a touchdown with Monangai sidelined.

Although it seemed as though the Trojans would come out of the first quarter healthy, defensive lineman, Nate Clifton was slow to get up, and then seen heading into the injury tent. Not long after, Clifton was seen coming out of the tent he was being carted to the locker room.

The injury occurred in the first quarter following an attempted tackle on Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai. Clifton made the tackle, but Monangai dragged him for an extra couple of yards.

Oct 19, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Kyle Monangai (5) carries the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Clifton was able to walk off the field under his own power but he did end up having to be carted into the locker room. This is a tough break for USC, a team already dealing with injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Clifton being off the field means USC is now down seven defensive starters. The Trojans are dominating the game, but hopefully, Clifton will be able to return.

MORE: USC Trojans, Washington Huskies Potential Schedule Snafu With L.A. Dodgers

MORE: USC Trojans Injury Update: Kamari Ramsey, Jaylin Smith, Jacobe Covington vs. Rutgers

MORE: USC Trojans Ranked Most Disappointing: Among Florida State, Michigan, Auburn

MORE: USC Trojans' Quarterback Miller Moss Is Not The Problem With USC Football

MORE: Bronny James and Lebron James Make History in Los Angeles Lakers Season Opener

MORE: Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Returns Home vs. Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels

MORE: USC Trojans’ Lincoln Riley Job At Risk? Hot Seat, Buyout Details