Shocking Setback: Highly Conflicting As Utah’s Top Performer Unlikely To Play vs. Utah State

Utah’s star quarterback Cameron Rising is expected to miss Saturday’s game against Utah State due to a finger injury on his throwing hand, according to a report by the Action Network. Rising sustained the injury during last week’s 23-12 win over Baylor when he was knocked into coolers on the sideline in the second quarter. He later returned to the bench with two fingers taped together and dressed in street clothes.

Although Utah coach Kyle Whittingham hasn’t officially ruled him out, he described the injury as “not real serious.” Rising is anticipated to return for Utah’s road game against Oklahoma State on September 21. If Rising is unable to play, freshman Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, will take the helm for the No. 12 ranked Utes (2-0).

Wilson completed 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards against Baylor, during a second half in which the Utes did not score. “I have to prepare the same every week, whether I’m first, second, or third string,” Wilson said. “I could have prepared a little better last game. I felt like I did good, but there’s always room for improvement.” This season, Rising has completed 18 of 29 passes for 346 yards and seven touchdowns in less than four quarters of play.

After missing all of last season due to a serious knee injury suffered in the Rose Bowl, Rising made his long-awaited return on August 29, where he threw a career-high five touchdown passes in just one half against Southern Utah. He also wore a bulky brace on his left knee for protection.

Whittingham mentioned that Brandon Rose will serve as Wilson’s backup if he starts against the Aggies. Rose, a third-year sophomore, made his collegiate debut late in the Southern Utah game, where he didn’t attempt a pass but gained 8 yards on one carry.