Latest Injury Updates For Utah Football Before Kickoff Against Arizona State
Oct 11, 2024, 3:00 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - AUGUST 29: Cameron Rising #7 of the Utah Utes hands off to Micah Bernard #2 during the first half of their game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice Eccles Stadium on August 29, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
TEMPE, Arizona – Kyle Whittingham and his Utah football program have traveled south for a Friday night matchup with the Arizona State Sun Devils.
The Utes have dealt with some significant injuries this season but the bye week came at a good time to recoup. Still, here’s the latest on the injury front for the Utes.
Utah vs Arizona State
Game Info
Location: Mountain America Stadium
TV: ESPN
Rado: AM 700
SLC ✈️ PHX#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/CFOr2HcQMX
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 10, 2024
Utah’s Cam Rising to return from injury and start?
According to ActionNetwork’s Brett McMurphy, Cam Rising is going to start against Arizona State.
According to everyone else that has followed Utah Football the past few weeks, they’ll believe it when they see it. There remains plenty of apprehension around the report given Utah’s willingness to take decisions up to the final minutes before kickoff.
However, sources have indicated to KSL Sports that Rising will return tonight, barring anything unforeseen. Sources also provided updates throughout the week, Rising assumed most of if not all the valuable reps between Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s practices.
Sources provided encouraging updates throughout the week and @Brett_McMurphy has reported that Cam Rising is set to return to action this Friday night. #GoUtes
LINK: https://t.co/bDHb6k2xTJ pic.twitter.com/czX2GaqLAg— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 10, 2024
Utah’s depth along the defensive line has been tested
Defensive end Connor O’Toole suffered an injury fairly early on against Utah State. He exited that game and has yet to return to action. Unfortunately, O’Toole is still not expected to be available tonight.
He won’t be the only starting defensive lineman out of action tonight. Defensive tackle, Keanu Tanuvasa is also expected to miss the game.
Aliki Vimahi remains unavailable, so watch out for true freshman Dallas Vakalahi to start in his place, while Simote Pepa rotates in.
Utah getting thin at linebacker
Utah veteran LB Karene Reid suffered an injury late in the Baylor game and he’s been out of action since. He is getting close to a return but he’s still not ready to retake the field.
The depth at linebacker has taken some hits with Reid and Levani Damuni. That list now includes Sione Fotu, who is expected to be unavailable for tonight’s contest.
So, it will largely be up to Hall, Lander Barton, and Trey Reynolds to patrol the middle.
