The separated shoulder USC quarterback Matt Barkley suffered last season will prevent him from throwing at this week's scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Barkley "will be attending the upcoming scouting combine in Indianapolis, but he will not be throwing or participating in any on-field testing components while there," his agents said in a statement sent to NFL teams Monday.
Teams wanted to watch Barkley throw to help determine whether he would be the top quarterback selected in April's draft. They -- and the pecking order for quarterbacks in this draft -- now will have to wait.
Barkley had described the combine as a milestone moment in his career, so the decision to not throw might confuse some. However, sources close to the quarterback say that he really meant that he will get to interview with NFL teams looking to draft a franchise QB.
Doctors who have examined and worked with Barkley are convinced he has made outstanding progress. He already has been cleared to throw at USC's Pro Day on March 27. Barkley's shoulder is said to be "90 [percent] of complete recovery" according to the statement.
Barkley recently moved his rehab and training sessions to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He had spent the past month in Birmingham, Ala., rehabbing his shoulder under the supervision of doctors Jim Andrews and Lyle Cain, and Physical Therapist Kevin Wilk.
Along with agents Jimmy Sexton and Ben Dogra of CAA, the men decided the best course of action for Barkley would be to rest his shoulder until March.
While Barkley won't throw, other quarterbacks including West Virginia's Geno Smith, North Carolina State's Mike Glennon and Arkansas' Tyler Wilson will.
Barkley had a shoulder injury during the season that was magnified in the Trojans' 38-28 loss to UCLA, when it worsened.
Barkley, lacking medical clearance, was unable to participate in the season finale against Notre Dame, the Hyundai Sun Bowl or the Senior Bowl.