Official injury report USC Trojans vs. Maryland Terrapins: Lake McRee healthy, starting

USC Trojans tight end Lake McRee has returned to the team and will start the game with the Trojans' offense. McRee was listed as questionable for USC's game against Maryland on Saturday afternoon. McRee started USC's first offensive drive

Mcree has been sidelined since Week 4 after taking a low hit from Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill early in the third quarter. As McRee limped off the field and into the medical tent, it was uncertain whether or not the redshirt junior would play for the Trojans again this season.

McRee returned to the practice field before the Penn State game last week and was seen running route on air, but was ultimately ruled out of the game. He was back on the field this week in full padding. USC coach Lincoln Riley gave McRee an update before Saturday's game at Maryland.

“We missed him,” Riley said. “I mean, there's no way to replace all the experience and playmaking ability. He does so many things for this offense, and I give Kade Eldridge and Walker Lyons credit for being in some big ballgames and playing a lot of them. “Snaps, you know, for two pretty inexperienced guys, they handled it well .

Here are the official availability reports for USC and Maryland, posted at 11:00 a.m. PT.

Out of

6 Anthony Lucas (season)
18 Eric Gentry (season)
59 Micha Banuelos
66 Gino Quinones

Questionable

14 Jacobe Covington
87 Lake McRee

Out of

2 Braydon Lee (season)
6 Brandon Jacob
51 Dylan Gooden
54 Deandre Duffus
61 Michael Hershey
81 Jahmari Powell Wonson
90 Lavon Johnson

Questionable

12 DanteTrader Jr.

McRee had his best season to date in a loss to Michigan, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. He caught five passes in the Trojans' season opener against LSU and recorded a career-high in receiving yards (81) against Utah State. While tight end production was limited with McRee out of the lineup, Eldridge and Lyons combined for three receptions for 15 yards.

“He’s close. I don't know 100 percent if it will be this week or next week depending on if he continues to progress and doesn't have any setbacks, which honestly is a little beyond what we were hoping for after him. “I got injured at Michigan , and you would be grateful if you got it back this year. I don't think anyone is surprised to have him here this week. But if we don’t have him this week, I’m confident we’ll have him next week.”

However, in his absence, sophomore receivers Ja'Kobi Lane, Makai Lemon and Duce Robinson have emerged in the Trojans' offense. Lane had a special career day in Week 5 against Wisconsin, catching 10 balls for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Lemon had the best game of his career against Penn State, catching six passes for 73 yards. Robinson has caught a touchdown in three of the last four games.

USC will travel to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, October 16th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT and will air on FS1.