Posted by ESPN.com’s Ted Miller

LOS ANGELES — USC’s All-American linebacker Brian Cushing, who’s already nursing a wrist injury that requires a protective cast, left practice Tuesday with a bruised hip.

Defensive end Kyle Moore also missed action with back spasms.

Coach Pete Carroll said he doesn’t expect the injuries to keep either player from starting against No. 5 Ohio State on Saturday.

“It doesn’t look like it,” Carroll said.

Cushing apparently took a knee to his hip early in practice.

Receiver Vidal Hazelton, who’s nursing a sprained ankle, participated in some drills and could be ready by Saturday.

“He did pretty well today,” Carroll said. “We’ll see.”

• Carroll upon learning that Ohio State All-American RB Chris Wells had been cleared to play: “It’s good for them. He’s a great player. I’m sure it pumps them up and gives them a good boost going into the game.”
• The defense beat the offense on Competition Tuesday, Ohio State week addition.
• Carroll on the improved play of his WRs, who were merely talented underachievers last year: “They’ve just grown up. They’re more mature about playing in a game. They’re more comfortable. Their batting average on their assignments is way, way higher than it was … We’re way different than a year ago … I guess it was too much to ask of the young guys last year — they couldn’t emerge fast enough.”