Posted by ESPN.com’s Ted Miller

USC defensive tackle Jurrell Casey and cornerback Kevin Thomas, both starters, returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two days due to illness.

It also appears likely that All-American center Kristofer O’Dowd will return to the starting lineup after missing the opener with a dislocated kneecap.

The need for O’Dowd’s presence might be more pressing now because guard Butch Lewis sprained his ankle and sat out Wednesday. With O’Dowd back, Jeff Byers could move back to left guard from center, where Lewis started against San Jose State.