Utah and Baylor faced off at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, September 7, 2024, with Utah emerging victorious, 23-12. Following the game, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham did not provide specific details on the extent of senior quarterback Cam Rising’s hand injury.
“I can’t give you a definitive answer on his availability,” Whittingham stated. “I’m told it’s not very serious, but I can’t provide a detailed description. He might be back this week; we’ll have to wait and see.”
Rising, who plays a crucial role as the emotional leader of Utah’s offense, left the game just before halftime. He exited to the locker room with a towel covering his right hand after sustaining an injury while being pushed out of bounds.
The injury occurred while Utah was advancing the ball in Baylor territory with 1:47 left before halftime. Rising was hit near the sideline and collided with a Gatorade cooler on the Baylor side, prompting him to favor his hand afterward.
True freshman Isaac Wilson stepped in for Rising at quarterback. Whittingham mentioned that he would reserve judgment on whether Baylor should have been penalized for a late hit until he reviewed the game film.
“I can’t make a call on that because I didn’t see it well enough,” Whittingham noted.
After the incident, Rising was checked in a medical tent before being escorted off the field. Prior to his exit, he completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, along with two rushes for 21 yards, while Utah was leading 23-0.
Wilson, who took over for Rising, completed 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards and had two rush attempts that resulted in a loss of 10 yards. Despite his efforts, Utah did not score during the possessions he led, and kicker Cole Becker missed two field goals during that stretch.
Whittingham praised Wilson’s performance, noting that he appeared more comfortable and in command compared to his earlier appearance against Southern Utah.
In the second half, Rising was seen on the sidelines dressed in casual clothes with his middle and ring fingers on his throwing hand taped together. Whittingham indicated that if a quarterback change is needed due to Rising’s injury in the upcoming week, Wilson would be the starter.
“I have to be ready. I have to be there for my team,” Wilson said regarding the possibility of being called upon again.