Anthony Lucas injury update: Lincoln Riley offers update on USC DE's status
USC Trojans junior defensive end Anthony Lucas will miss the remainder of the 2024 season with a "lower extremity injury".
Coach Lincoln Riley confirmed that Lucas had undergone surgery on his leg on Tuesday.
"We lost Anthony for the season," Riley told the media after practice on Tuesday. "Anthony had a procedure done this morning on his leg so we won't have him anymore."
Riley added that he hoped Lucas could build on his strong performances this season when he returns next year.
“I hate it for Anthony because he has improved. He had a really strong impact on our defense,” Riley said. “We'll be excited to get him back next year and get him rolling and build on all the progress he made."
Lucas' production on the defensive line for USC will be difficult to replace. His 12 quarterback pressures and six quarterback hits both lead the team. He finished his season with 16 total tackles and a pass deflection.
How will USC cope without Anthony Lucas?
USC's defense has made significant leaps from where it was last year. With Lucas out, his teammates on the front seven will need to step up.
Unfortunately for the Trojans, senior linebacker Eric Gentry will be redshirting the rest of the 2024 season due to continued concussions. He is the team's sack leader with two. He is also second on the team in solo tackles (22) and tied for third in total tackles (30) with sophomore safety Kamari Ramsey. He is viewed as the upperclassman leader of this defense and his lack of presence will be felt.
Sophomore defensive end Devan Thompkins will also be called to step up in Lucas' absence. He is second in sacks on the team with one-and-a-half and has one deflected pass. His responsibilities in setting the edge against the opposing quarterback - something Lucas was known for executing at a high level - will become even more important.
Another underclassman, Braylen Shelby, will also be called on to rise to the moment. He has just one sack to go with eight solo tackles.
The Trojans will face the Maryland Terrapins (3-3) on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. The Terrapins have struggled when junior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has been pressured, so USC's new-look front four has an opportunity to show what it is made of.