Yesterday we learned that USC starting quarterback Mark Sanchez was carted off the field with a knee injury during the “non-contact” portion of practice (read: carioca shuffle-induced leg trauma).

USC later reported that Sanchez dislocated his left kneecap when “he jumped slightly while making a throw and landed awkwardly“, and now there’s a chance he could miss the Trojans’ season opener against Virginia.

Sanchez says he’s day-to-day starting Monday, and overall, he sounds optimistic:

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USC QB Mark Sanchez went down at the start of practice on Friday in Los Angeles with a knee injury.

(Injury or no, Mark Sanchez makes people touch themselves)

From Gary Klein of the LOS ANGELES TIMES:

A witness reported seeing Sanchez doing a carioca shuffle. He then went to throw a football, put weight on his left knee and collapsed.

Sanchez was helped to the trainers’ table, where ice was administered and his jersey and shoulder pads were removed. He was then carted to the locker room and was then taken for x-rays.

Strangely, despite a full complement of beat reporters (LAT, LADN, OCR) at USC football practice, apparently none saw the injury happen. More importantly, just what the hell is a “carioca shuffle“?

Why, let Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers show you: