USC's Slovis cleared to practice, will enter QB competition with Dart

USC quarterback Kedon Slovis is expected to return to practice this week after an MRI and X-ray on his injured neck came back negative, interim coach Donte Williams said Sunday, according to The Athletic.

Slovis suffered the ailment Saturday after being sacked during USC's first offensive possession against Washington State.

Jaxson Dart then replaced Slovis, passing for 391 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 45-14 win over the Cougars.

Following the freshman's strong debut, Williams said Dart and Slovis will compete to decide who starts versus Oregon State this Saturday.

"Me personally, being the head coach, I approach everything as a battle," Williams said, according to the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje. "I think part of why people don't succeed and develop is because they get complacent. That's not just at quarterback, that's at every position. I want to make sure guys are never complacent."

Slovis has been the Trojans' starting passer dating back to 2019. He's passed for 5,910 yards and 50 touchdowns while connecting on 69% of his throws. The Arizona native led USC to the Pac-12 title game and was named to the AP's All-Pac-12 first team in 2020.

Williams didn't rule out the possibility that Dart and Slovis could play against the Beavers, calling them both "more than capable." The coach said his staff has created a package of plays for Dart ahead of this Saturday's contest.