Utah waiting on ‘go-ahead’ from medical staff as Cam Rising’s injury enters fifth week

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (7) warms up before a game against Oklahoma State Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Stillwater, Okla. | Mitch Alcala

As the Cam Rising injury saga moves into its fifth week, there’s still not much clarity.

Ever since the second week of the season — when Rising dislocated a finger on his throwing hand and suffered a laceration, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel — the focus on the veteran quarterback’s status has been the dominant storyline surrounding Utah’s program. That’s ramped up even more after Utah suffered its first loss of the season against Arizona during Isaac Wilson’s third consecutive start under center and Rising was seen at an autograph event with a finger brace or splint on his middle and ring fingers.

Rising, who was a game-time decision in Utah’s Big 12 opener in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was thought to be medically cleared before the Oklahoma State game. In each of the last three weeks, he’s warmed up in full uniform and has been throwing the ball, but it’s been Wilson getting the start.

“He was cleared for last week as far as just, yeah, you can use him, but just up to you guys what decision you make. So I think we’re past that point where you have to worry about reinjury or anything like that. Hopefully. Knock on wood,” Whittingham said on Sept. 23.

During his bye week media availability, however, Whittingham said that Rising “wants to play worse than anybody” and “as soon as he gets the go-ahead,” he will play.

On Monday, Whittingham was asked who is giving that go-ahead — the medical staff or the coaching staff? In previous weeks, it was seemingly the coaches’ decision not to play Rising due to the lack of velocity on his throws and feeling like a healthy Wilson gave Utah a better chance to win than a less-than-healthy Rising.

But it seems like…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-waiting-ahead-medical-staff-204238256.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-10-07 20:42:38

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