Nearly every week USC coach Lane Kiffin says he hopes tailback Silas Redd will return to play for the Trojans.

But just what is Redd’s status? USC’s starting tailback tore his meniscus last spring and underwent surgery that was supposed to allow him to recover before the start of this season.

Kiffin will not say why Redd remains sidelined while Redd said he suffered the “worst possible meniscus tear possible.” However, Redd also does not say when he will return.

Sources said recently Redd might return to practice this week after he obtained a second opinion on his knee from respected surgeon James Andrews last month. Andrews confirmed the information Redd received from USC doctors, according to sources, and did not find any further complications, which leaves the decision to Redd.

If Redd does return, it will be to a crowded backfield. Sophomore Tre Madden’s rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the first three games while freshman Justin Davis rushed for 96 yards against Boston College on Saturday.

“It would be strange before the season if you said the only two backs with experience wouldn’t be available (this year),” Kiffin said.

The other back Kiffin referred to, D.J. Morgan, is sidelined with an injured knee and has not practiced this season.

Small crowd

USC announced a crowd of 62,006 for the Boston College game, the smallest Coliseum crowd of the Kiffin era. The previous low was 63,707 for against Arizona on Oct. 1, 2011.

Safety Dion Bailey said the small crowd did not bother him.

“We expected that being in L.A.,” Bailey said. “It was a noon game. It’s been hot in L.A. the past month. And there’s a fight (Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo Alvarez).”

It might be a lot better this week with USC playing Utah State at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Depleted WR corps

Kiffin also said he was hopeful wide receiver Darreus Rogers returned, but sources said Rogers suffered a high ankle sprain, which makes it unlikely he would return.

Without Rogers, USC would have only four scholarship receivers (Marqise Lee, Nelson Agholor, De’von Flournoy and Victor Blackwell).

“That’s what we got,” Kiffin said.

Keeton dangerous

USC’s defense is the backbone of the team and allowed only 30 points through three games, the lowest figure through the first three contests since 2006. The Trojans are also one of only three teams that allowed only four rushes of more than 10 yards this season along with Wisconsin and Michigan State.

But Kiffin said the defense is about to be challenged more than it has all season when it faces Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton.

“We could have played better on defense (so far),” Kiffin said. “We haven’t been challenged much compared to what’s coming. (Utah State) is a really good football team with a dynamic quarterback.

“He does everything, like the guy up in Seattle (Washington QB Keith Price). You can’t tackle him. He’s a real special player.’’

Keeton’s passed for 929 yards with 12 touchdowns and only one interception. By comparison, USC quarterbacks have passed for 490 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

———

©2013 the Daily News (Los Angeles)

Visit the Daily News (Los Angeles) at www.dailynews.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services