LOS ANGELES -- As the injury wheel spins, USC has suffered two more season-ending injuries to scholarship players.
Linebacker Lamar Dawson is out for the rest of the season after suffering a "severe knee injury" in Tuesday's practice, interim head coach Ed Orgeron announced Wednesday.
Freshman tailback Justin Davis is out for the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.
They're the latest in a string of major injuries Orgeron has announced in the last two days.
Walk-on wide receiver Taylor Ross underwent surgery after being carted off of the practice field on Tuesday.
Later that evening, Orgeron announced offensive lineman Marcus Martin was lost for the season with a knee injury that will require surgery.
Dawson is fourth on the team in tackles with 35 and also has 1.5 sacks this season.
Davis is the team's leader in rushing touchdowns with six on the year and is averaging just under seven yards per carry.
Despite running back being the deepest position on the team, the freshman's explosiveness will be sorely missed.
Senior Silas Redd, who made his USC debut Oct. 10 after missing time earlier in the season, is the leader of the running back corps. Sophomore Javorius "Buck" Allen is expected to be ready for Saturday's game vs. Utah.
It's unclear if sophomore Tre Madden or freshman Ty Isaac will be available Saturday in the Trojans' backfield.
Potentially being down three tailbacks, three tight ends, and three wide receivers on Saturday makes offensive coordinator Clay Helton's job a lot tougher.
"They don't pay you to have excuses," Helton said on Tuesday. "They pay you to find answers."
On Wednesday, Orgeron also announced D.J. Morgan and safety Gerald Bowman have both been shut down for the season. Bowman is expected to redshirt. He will have shoulder surgery and "hopefully get another year of eligibility," Orgeron said.
The injuries have affected the way the Trojans have practiced, eliminating some drills because of their physical nature.
Still, Orgeron won't make any excuses for him or his team.
"I've been in football for 27 years," Orgeron said. "It's happened before and I've had teams bounce back and play well.
"Somebody's going to show up and somebody's going to get their opportunity to play very well this week. I'm sure of that."
