LOS ANGELES — Southern California tailback Stafon Johnson had emergency throat surgery Monday after a weightlifting accident.
The senior was bench- pressing when the bar slipped from his right hand and fell onto his throat.
“It was an unfortunate accident, and Stafon is getting great care right now,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We don’t have a lot of information at this point, and we’ll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon.”
Johnson is the Trojans’ second-leading rusher with 157 yards, and he leads the team with five touchdowns.
Meyer: Tebow improving
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was feeling better and eating well two days after suffering a concussion at Kentucky, Gators coach Urban Meyer said.
Although Tebow still has “a little bit of a headache,” Meyer said he hopes the quarterback will be able to play when the Gators return to the field Oct. 10 at LSU.
The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner was scheduled for more tests today.
Footnotes.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said he doesn’t know whether quarterback Sam Bradford (shoulder) will be ready for Saturday night’s game at Miami, but it won’t be a game-time decision.
• Ohio State strong safety Kurt Coleman has been suspended by the Big Ten Conference for one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit and “targeting a defenseless opponent” in the Buckeyes’ 30-0 win over Illinois.
• Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said freshman quarterback Tate Forcier (shoulder) will play against Michigan State on Saturday.
• Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower has a torn ligament in his left knee that will require season-ending surgery.
• Nebraska safety Rickey Thenarse is out indefinitely with an injured right knee.
• Minnesota defensive end Cedric McKinley and safety Tim Dandridge have been suspended two games for an unspecified violation of team rules and policies.
• New Mexico coach Mike Locksley has been reprimanded for a Sept. 20 fight involving receivers coach J.B. Gerald.
The Associated Press
