USC football: Matt Barkley can resume throwing next week after suffering bruised hand in scrimmage

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Doctors examined USC quarterback Matt Barkley’s right hand Tuesday and concluded that the sophomore suffered only a bruise during the Trojans’ scrimmage last week.

Barkley was told there was no fracture and that he could resume throwing next week, the school announced.

“It’s what I thought it was,” Barkley said in a statement. “It’s nothing to worry about. It sure hurt when it happened, but it’s a whole lot better now. I can squeeze my hand and make a fist.

‘There’s no long-term problem. I’ll be throwing again real soon.’

Barkley sat out much of Saturday’s scrimmage after his hand hit the helmet of defensive tackle Jurrell Casey while following through on a touchdown pass to receiver Travon Patterson early in the second half at the Coliseum.

Barkley had right wrist surgery in January, but showed no ill effects during the Trojans’ 15 spring workouts.

-- Gary Klein