Cam Rising looked off on Friday.
By Monday, his season was over.
The Utah quarterback is now out for the season after sustaining a season-ending lower leg injury vs. Arizona State. After leaving Rising’s status open for a potential return during his weekly news conference, head coach Kyle Whittingham later clarified on Monday evening that the seventh-year quarterback won’t return for the 2024 season.
“Upon further evaluation by our medical staff Cameron Rising’s injury has unfortunately been deemed season-ending,” Utah’s head coach said in a statement on Monday night. “During his time at Utah, Cam has been both a great player and leader for our program, and he will obviously be missed. Any future developments concerning his collegiate eligibility will be addressed at a later date.”
Isaac Wilson will now be the starter for the Utes. He has already made multiple starts in place of Rising this season.
(Rick Scuteri | AP) Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (7) grabs his knee in front of offensive lineman Michael Mokofisi in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz.
Rising had missed a month of action after suffering a hand injury in Utah’s Week 2 matchup with Baylor. But just a few minutes into his return to the field on Friday, Rising got his leg caught awkwardly while being tackled and came up limping.
Rising stayed in the game but looked unable to plant his right leg and generate much speed on his passes.
Whittingham did indicate that the seventh-year senior could potentially return for an eighth season of college football, but that’s undetermined as of now.
“Now that we’re in the situation that we’re in, that’s a possibility,” Utah’s head coach said. “We’ll have to explore that in detail with the compliance department. And I’m not even sure Cam would be interested in going that route. He’s got a lot to think about, and so (he needs) to just take a step back right now and let them get this most recent injury thoroughly diagnosed. ... But, that would be something we’re talking about sooner rather than later.”
