Stanford's Harrison Phillips won't need knee surgery, likely out vs. USC

Stanford defensive lineman Harrison Phillips will not need surgery on the knee he injured during Friday's win over Kansas State, but he will likely miss the Cardinal's next game against USC on Sept. 17.

"It should be a little bit of time, but there's no ligament damage," Stanford head coach David Shawsaid after Monday's practice. "It's much better news than it could have been. He's excited, and his family is very excited."

Fifth-year senior Jordan Watkins, who recorded his first two career sacks against Kansas State, will likely start at nose tackle in Phillips' place.

During his first game back since he tore his ACL in last year's season opener against Northwestern, Phillips went down in the second half. He hurt the knee that was not surgically repaired this offseason. Phillips walked around the sideline with ice on his knee and later limped out of Stanford Stadium. Shaw said he'll have a clearer idea of Phillips' return date next week.

In other injury news, Stanford expects running back Bryce Love,Christian McCaffrey's speedy sidekick in the backfield, to be ready for the USC game. Love, who suffered an unspecified lower body injury during training camp and had to wear a walking boot, is running again and is expected to resume cutting this week.

"He's making very good progress," Shaw said. "He looks good for USC ... We'll know for sure when we get back on the field Monday night next week."

Stanford is off this weekend.