Lincoln Riley gives update on Zion Branch injury timeline

USC HC Lincoln Riley | Audition week

USC hopes that the defense will look completely different in 2024 and wants to take a big step forward on the way to the Big Ten. Defensive Back Zion Branch has the chance to be part of this change, but must first deal with an injury.

Head Coach Lincoln Riley gave an update on Branch on Tuesday, saying the issue was related to the finger/hand. Surgery was required, but Riley wasn't at all concerned, calling the injury “extremely minor.” Branch has been an impressive player during fall camp and is looking to impress for the Trojans.

“Zion had to have a little procedure on one of his fingers or his hand,” Riley said after practice. “It was just a little procedure. He'll be out for a day or two and then he'll be back. But he had a really good training camp and he's impressed with his ability.”

Unfortunately, injuries have been a major issue for Branch throughout his career. Before his freshman season, Branch suffered a season-ending knee injury. Last year, Branch played in nine games, but in his very first start, he re-injured his knee.

Branch saw limited action in spring training before stepping up his game in the fall, so the news that Branch's latest injury wasn't serious is a huge sigh of relief for everyone in Los Angeles. A positive review from the head coach only helps matters.

Riley was impressed with Branch's mental discipline in overcoming his tough injury woes, and there is some excitement about his return to the program.

“We know he can bounce back from injury, we've seen it,” Riley said. “How quickly he's recovered mentally and physically from that injury is probably even more impressive than the others. He's had a really strong training camp. So I'm excited to have him back.”

As mentioned, Branch played in nine games during his career at USC, recording 22 tackles, one TFL and one forced fumble. The only start came against Cala game the Trojans won by one point in late October.

USC will bring Branch back into practice and they will move from training camp to game preparation. Only 11 days separate us from now until the season opener in Las Vegas, where we will face the LSU TigersA nice test to see how Riley has changed the defense under the new DC D’Anton Lynn.