 "Photo: Joel Zink | Daily Trojan")
John David Booty threw passes at practice Tuesday wearing a protective glove on his throwing hand.
Booty had limited throwing opportunities in practice last week after injuring his right middle finger in the loss to Stanford. On Tuesday, he tested himself with a series of short throws.
Booty said the time off has taken away most of the pain in his hand.
"Sometimes I bite my lip a little bit, but it didn't seem to be anything I couldn't take," Booty said. "It definitely feels a lot better than it did last week, but [today] will be a big test."
Even with Booty's return, Mark Sanchez received the bulk of the first-team snaps.
USC coach Pete Carroll said he has no plan for when he will announce a starter.
"We're just going to take it day-to-day," Carroll said.
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An MRI on linebacker Rey Maualuga's hip revealed deep
swelling.
Carroll hopes that Maualuga will be ready to play against Notre Dame, despite the junior's inability to practice Tuesday.
"He's got a good range of motion, but he's not able to push off [his hip] yet," Carroll said. "It'll still be a couple of days before we know whether we can get him back for this week."
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Despite the team's mounting injuries, the Trojans are optimistic about the possible return of several starters and key back-ups.
Running back Stafon Johnson participated in non-contact drills and worked on the exercise bike.
After averaging 8.2 yards per carry through the first five games, Johnson has been held out of USC's last two contests.
"If he's the same factor he was before, then I think we're playing better when he's playing," Carroll said.
Cornerback Shareece Wright returned to practice Tuesday. Carroll said he expects offensive guard Chilo Rachal to practice tomorrow for the first time since injuring his knee against Washington.
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Junior defensive end Kyle Moore was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left knee Tuesday night but expects to play against Notre Dame.
Moore, who leads the Trojans with two interceptions, was injured late in the win over Arizona.
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Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis announced Tuesday that Evan Sharpley would start for the first time in his career Saturday against USC.
Sharpley replaces freshman Jimmy Clausen as the starter for the Fighting Irish. Clausen started Notre Dame's last six games but was replaced midway through a loss to Boston College.
"I think Evan gives us the best chance of winning," Weis said at his Tuesday press conference.
Sharpley has led the Irish on four of their seven touchdown drives.
Weis also announced Tuesday that leading rusher James Aldridge was doubtful for Saturday with a high ankle sprain.
