USC safety John Plattenburg carted off practice field after an injury

Freshman John Plattenburg, who has started the last three games at safety for USC, was injured during a practice Sunday and was carted from the field.

Plattenburg lay prone on the field for several minutes before he was assisted onto a cart and taken to the locker room.

Coach Steve Sarkisian said it appeared that Plattenburg suffered a thigh bruise, but that he would undergo X-rays.

Plattenburg has played in seven games and made 14 tackles.

Receiver JuJu Smith was sidelined early in practice because of an apparent eye issue. He left with a physician after about 45 minutes.

Sarkisian said Smith got something in his eye.

“Don’t think it’s serious at all,” Sarkisian said.