USC's Juju Smith-Schuster has hand surgery, could play Saturday

LOS ANGELES -- USCreceiver JuJu Smith-Schuster underwent successful surgery Monday to help expedite the recovery from a broken fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand, Trojans interim coach Clay Helton said.

Helton allowed for the possibility that the Pac-12's leading receiver could play Saturday against Arizona, but stressed the program will "make sure he's healthy and ready to go," before letting him play.

"If we don't have him this week, the prognosis is hopefully next week," Helton said. "That's what they're really hoping for."

A small plate and a screw were inserted to stabilize the bone and allow it to recover more quickly. Typical recovery time after the procedure fluctuates, but it has taken some players as few as three days to return.

"It's really a pain-tolerance thing," Helton said. "You're talking about one of the toughest kids in my 21 years of experience that I've ever been around. He's an absolute warrior, and I know he'll be back as soon as he can."

The injury occurred in Saturday's 27-21 win against Cal. Smith-Schuster has 52 catches for 956 yards and eight touchdowns this season. The Trojans' second-leading receiver is Adoree' Jackson, who is predominantly a cornerback.