USC Trojans running back Stafon Johnson injured his throat in a weightlifting accident Monday and required emergency surgery.
Johnson was bench pressing when the bar slipped from his hand and fell on his throat, according to a release from the school.
Immediately after the accident, Johnson was coughing up blood, a source close to the USC football program told ESPN’s Shelley Smith.
It’s unclear how long Johnson will be out, but it’s unlikely he will be ready to play on Saturday at California.
“It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now,” coach Pete Carroll said on the team’s official Web site. “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.”
Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle said Johnson was using a spotter when the accident occurred.
“I’ve seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat,” Carlisle said. “We’re fortunate he was being spotted.”
Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior from Compton, Calif., is the Trojans’ second-leading rusher and goal-line specialist. He’s rushed 32 times for 157 yards this year and leads the team with five touchdowns. He entered the season with 1,395 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Johnson’s absence likely means more carries for 235-pound junior Allen Bradford or perhaps 225-pound sophomore Marc Tyler.
Poor guy.