Kelly, Harris Say They Will Play

Two of USC’s top pass catchers stood on the sideline as the team practiced at the Coliseum Thursday, their status still uncertain for the game against Arizona.

Receiver Kareem Kelly, who has a quadriceps and ankle injury, and tight end Antoine Harris, who hurt his neck in practice Wednesday, will be reevaluated before kickoff.

“We want to give them a little more time,” Coach Paul Hackett said. “We’re going to let the doctors make those decisions.”

The players offered fairly certain prognoses.

“I’m playing,” Kelly said.

Harris said his neck was stiff Thursday morning but, “it’ll be all right come game day.”

Defensive tackle Ryan Nielsen is questionable because of a twisted back.

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With Harris a question mark and another tight end, Scott Huber, slowed because of a minor injury, coaches have told newcomers Alex Holmes and Doyal Butler to be ready for more playing time Saturday.

Holmes has caught two passes for 16 yards in three games and has looked impressive in practice.

“I’m very anxious to play more but that’s part of being a freshman,” he said. “I’m learning and that’s all I can ask for.”

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Cornerback Antuan Simmons, who is redshirting while recovering from surgery to remove an abdominal tumor, returned to the hospital for a follow-up procedure Thursday.

The surgery went as planned, Hackett said, and Simmons is expected to be released within a couple of days.