USC QB Sanchez sits practice out with knee injury

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

October 07, 2008

Sanchez is still day-to-day following an injury against Oregon.

Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez watched from an equipment cart Monday as his back-up Mitch Mustain took first-team snaps in the Trojans' practice.

Sanchez suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in the third quarter of the win over Oregon last weekend but is still hoping to play against Arizona State this Saturday. USC head coach Pete Carroll said that the results of his senior quarterback's X-rays and MRI did not reveal a ligament damage and that Sanchez "has a chance to play".

Carroll also mentioned that the latest injury was not related to the one he sustained during the preseason, a dislocated kneecap to be exact, which he has been nursing with the help of a brace.

Despite the injury, Sanchez has been playing extremely well for the Trojans, earning three Pacific-10 Conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades while throwing for 1,069 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in four outings.

According to offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian they will be practicing with the thought of back-up Mitch Mustain starting but will still be open to Sanchez's return late this week.

Mustain, a sophomore who transferred from Arkansas, completed 5-of-8 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown against the Ducks.

"I feel like I'm prepared and on top of the game plan," Mustain said.

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