What started out as a minor ding in Southern Cal is rapidly approaching a major development as quarterback Aaron Corp will be out for 1-2 weeks with a leg injury.
An MRI performed today revealed a small crack on the head of Corp’s left fibula. No ligament damage was found by team doctors, and surgery was deemed unnecessary.
“This is an unfortunate setback for Aaron but we’re encouraged by the diagnosis and that he’s going to return quickly,” Coach Pete Carroll said.
Corp, who entered summer camp as the starter, was hurt Monday when a teammate rolled into him on a pass play. After missing a couple of reps, the redshirt sophomore returned to practice. However, Corp experienced pain and swelling overnight, which led to X-rays yesterday and the MRI today.
The injury and subsequent time off opens the door for true freshman Matt Barkley to make a run at the starting job. The competition was close exiting spring ball, and now Barkley will have the opportunity to close the gap or -- in a worst-case scenario for Corp -- take the lead.
If Corp comes back toward the end of the two-week time frame, he would have a little bit over a week to make up the ground lost before the season opener.
This scenario is eerily reminiscent of the quarterback competition last season. Mark Sanchez suffered a knee injury in the third practice of camp, but came back to retain the starting job he held when he went down.
Corp was injured in the third practice of this year’s camp.
It remains to be seen whether or not he ends up with the same results as Sanchez job-wise.
