With USC head coach Lincoln Riley home sick to start the week, outside receivers coach/assistant head coach Dennis Simmons has become a more vocal presence with the team while helping to fill the void.

Simmons talked about the impact of Riley's absence Tuesday after practice.

"At the end of the day, first and foremost, this is Coach Riley’s team. We’re viewing this like a player getting dinged up and the next guy stepping up," Simmons said. "It’s not just myself. It’s everybody – players, coaches, everybody on the staff. We’re holding it down until he can resume his duties. ...

"I really don’t look at it as me stepping in because, I mean, once again this is his program. [I] come to work every day, and it’s just unfortunate. At the end of the day, I know we all think that he is immortal, but I guess God shows us that he is human. When I got here, phone calls were made, conversations were had and this is where we’re at."

Watch the full interview here and scroll down for a complete transcript of his comments:

What went into the decision to make no players available after the game Saturday?

"You know what, I wasn’t a part of that decision, so I’m not gonna answer that question.

Have you talked to Lincoln today?

"Yes, I have."

How's he doing?

"He’s getting better."

What has been his message to you?

"At the end of the day, first and foremost, this is Coach Riley’s team. We’re viewing this like a player getting dinged up and the next guy stepping up. It’s not just myself. It’s everybody – players, coaches, everybody on the staff. We’re holding it down until he can resume his duties.

When did you know you were stepping in as acting coach?

"I really don’t look at it as me stepping in because, I mean, once again this is his program. Come to work everyday, and it’s just unfortunate. At the end of the day, I know we all think that he is immortal, but I guess God shows us that he is human. When I got here, phone calls were made, conversations were had, and this is where we’re at."

In what ways is his absence felt or noticed?

"You know, the guys have actually handled things in a pretty professional way. It’s not like he’s gone forever. It’s just one of those deals where we’ve got an objective which is going to take place this Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock. So that’s our main focus and what we’re looking forward to getting out doing. So it’s just going about things as usual. We work for an incredible man and a great leader, so he’s set a great plan together, and we’re just following it until he returns."

How has your role changed?

"It hasn’t."

If he can't be there Saturday, who calls plays?

"We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Is he expected back Saturday?

"Expected back as soon as the doctors release him to get back."

What's the team's state of mind this week and what role do you play in that regard?

“We prepare and practice every day, as you see these guys out here doing extra stuff to be victorious every Saturday. So regardless of how it goes when you’re not, there’s disappointment. So it’s going to go down, it’s going to come up the next day. Sunday, we came back to work ready to get focused at the task at hand. So I want to remind you guys, we’re 4-1 in conference right now. So we still have every opportunity to accomplish every goal that this team has set forth for us. So once again, we’re 4-1 in this conference. And that means that we’re tied for second place in this conference. So, in order for us to get to where we want to go to, we’re going to have to win the games that we got to play this upcoming succession, regardless. So is it unfortunate what happened Saturday? Yeah. Were we disappointed? Yes. But at the end of the day, we still gotta take care of business this week and the weeks ahead.”

Lincoln talked about this team being affected by outside noise to some degree ...

“Once again, our guys understand where we rank at in this conference right now and what we need to do. That should be the only thing, that’s the focal point at hand, and that’s the direction that we’re taking.”

What is Kliff Kingsbury's role?

“Kliff has honestly done a lot of the things that he’s done in the past. He’s obviously been more active in the quarterback meeting, but outside of that, his role has been as beneficial as it’s been since the day he got here.”

How do WRs improve?

“I think we need to play a little bit more physical on the perimeter. Some of our screen games haven’t produced the productivity that it had in the earlier part of the season. It’s something we’ve been working on.”

What's going on with Caleb Williams?

“You know, uh, he’s obviously one of the 11 that’s a part of this offense. So I would say, the other 10 hadn’t been working, because in order for us to be successful, we all got to do our jobs.”

Duce Robinson/Makai Lemon continuing to earn opportunities?

“Yeah, I mean, those guys have worked their butts off in practice. As a matter of fact, they’re out there doing some extra stuff now. So I mean, as those guys continue to work and show that they’re ready, their roles will continue to increase.”