Fox to Start at Quarterback

John Fox will start at quarterback for the second consecutive week Saturday against Washington State, but Mike Van Raaphorst also might play.

“I don’t know how it will unfold, but John will be the starter,” Coach Paul Hackett said. “With another week of playing, and a half under his belt, I think that will really help him.”

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Quarterback Carson Palmer received medical clearance to begin upper-body rehabilitation and even some very light throwing Tuesday, leaving open the possibility he might return this season although Hackett called it a longshot.

Time is running out with the UCLA game only a week and a half away and Palmer and Hackett doubtful it would be worth returning for only one game, the season finale against Louisiana Tech.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Hackett said. “I’m anxious to see how it goes, but I think it’s a longshot.”

A decision might come as soon as Sunday, with Hackett learning toward taking a cautious approach and Palmer still hoping to play against UCLA.

“I want to play, but ultimately it’s not my decision,” said Palmer, who will lose his redshirt year if he plays. “If I was the coach, I’d be on the field, but I’m not.”

Palmer will only toss the ball 10 yards or so at first, but must strengthen the shoulder to avoid tendinitis.

“We’ll get started, see how sore it is after three or four days [of upper-body work] and regroup Sunday,” Hackett said. “That will be the pivotal day.”

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Linebacker Daryl Knight has been reinstated after a one-week suspension related to academics . . . USC has had preliminary talks about playing in the Kickoff Classic next season, possibly against Michigan.