Justin Davis, Lamar Dawson and Claude Pelon doubtful for Arkansas State

USC tailback Justin Davis, linebacker Lamar Dawson and defensive lineman Claude Pelon are on track to sit out Saturday’s opener against Arkansas State.

Coach Steve Sarkisian on Wednesday said the players, all of whom began training camp as potential starters, were “hopeful” for the Trojans’ Sept. 12 game against Idaho.

Davis, a junior who is the leading returning rusher, was sidelined early in training camp because of a hamstring issue. He returned briefly but has been nursing a rib cartilage injury, Sarkisian said.

Dawson, a senior who sat out last season while recovering from knee surgery, is atop the depth chart at middle linebacker. But he has been limited while recovering from a rib fracture.

Pelon, a senior, had arthroscopic knee surgery last month.

Senior Tre Madden will start at tailback, freshman Cameron Smith could possibly start at middle linebacker and senior Greg Townsend Jr. will start at defensive end.