USC Trojans Safety Akili Arnold Exits With Injury Against Washington Huskies

The USC Trojans are facing the Washington Huskies in week ten of the college football season. Just before the half, USC safety Akili Arnold was helped off of the field with an apparent injury.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans safety Akili Arnold (0) celebrates in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The 4-4 USC Trojans are facing the 4-4 Washington Huskies. Both teams are spending their first season in the Big Ten following the move from the Pac-12. While it may be a new conference, these opponents are very familiar with each other. The Trojans are down 20-7 at halftime. 

It has not been a good game for the Trojans. Between turnovers, missed field goals, and penalties, the USC Trojans struggled in the first half. To add to the struggle, USC safety Akili Arnold exited the game with an injury. There were just under two minutes to go in the first half when he was seen struggling to stand up on his own.

With the rain coming down in Washington and the half closing, keeping Arnold out was likely the smarter decision by the USC coaching staff. The Trojans defense has been facing injuries almost every week this season. Losing Arnold will be a tough blow, especially with the Trojans already down 13 points at the half.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans safety Akili Arnold (0) celebrates in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

With Arnold out of the game, the USC Trojans are down both of their starting safeties. Safeties Bryson Shaw and Zion Branch took the field with Arnold out. He did not return to the game in the first half.

Though the trainers did have to come onto the field to help Arnold, he was able to hobble off under his own power. The injury did not appear serious, but that is to be determined. Hopefully, for the Trojans, Arnold is okay, and they will have their starting safety back for the second half of the game. 

MORE: USC Trojans Battling Notre Dame for Top-100 Linebacker Recruit Madden Faraimo

MORE: Stefon Diggs Injury: Houston Texans' Receiver Robert Woods Increased Role?

MORE: USC Trojans Losing QB Commit Julian Lewis To Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes?

MORE: Houston Texans' Calen Bullock vs. New York Jets' Aaron Rodgers: Rookie Of The Year Case?

MORE: Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Takes Blame for Commanders Loss: 'We Will Play Better'

MORE: How To Watch USC Trojans, Washington Huskies: Preview, Prediction, Channel

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Addresses Controversial Decision to Close Practices from Media

MORE: USC Trojans in Danger of Losing Four-Star Recruit Shamar Arnoux, Flip to Miami? 

MORE: USC Trojans Football: Lincoln Riley Closes Practice To Media For Remainder Of Season