‘We’ll see:’ Utah coach Kyle Whittingham addresses Cam Rising’s injury, whether he’ll be available next week

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t have an update on the severity of Cam Rising’s apparent hand injury following Utah’s 23-12 victory over Baylor on Saturday afternoon.

“Can’t give you an answer right now on his availability,” Whittingham said. “I’m told it’s not real serious. Can’t tell you the exact description. He may be back this week. We’ll see.”

Rising, the Utes’ senior quarterback and emotional leader of the offense, exited Utah’s game against Baylor just before halftime and left for the locker room with a towel over his right hand.

With Utah in Baylor territory and driving, Rising was hit near the sideline and pushed out of bounds at the end of a play with 1:47 remaining until halftime. He ran into a Gatorade cooler on the Baylor sideline and appeared to favor his hand after the play.

True freshman Isaac Wilson replaced Rising at quarterback.

Whittingham said he would reserve judgment until “I see it on film” on whether he thought Baylor should have been called for a late hit on the play where Rising exited the game.

“I can’t say because I didn’t get a good enough look,” Whittingham said.

Following the play, Rising went to the medical tent and then was escorted off the field.

He completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns and also had two carries for 21 yards before exiting the game.

Utah led 23-0 at the time when Rising left the contest.

Wilson completed 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards and ran twice for minus-10 yards in playing all or part of six possessions. Utah did not score of any of those possessions, though Cole Becker missed two field goals during Wilson’s time quarterbacking the team.

“He looked much more comfortable and much more in charge,” Whittingham said of Wilson, in comparison to his time playing in the Week 1 win over Southern Utah. “(He) threw some good balls.”

Rising could be seen on the sideline in the second half in street clothes with his middle and ring fingers taped together on his throwing hand.

Whittingham said if the Utes need to make a change at quarterback next week due to Rising’s injury, it’s Wilson’s job.

“I’ve got to ready. I’ve got to be there for my team,” Wilson said, regarding when his number will be called again.