Injury Concerns for Cam Rising

In a nail-biting prelude to one of the season's most anticipated matchups, Utah quarterback Cam Rising is currently a game-time decision due to an injury to his throwing hand, multiple sources report. The No. 12 Utah Utes are set to clash with the No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, a pivotal game within the Big 12 Conference that could shape playoff aspirations.

Impact of the Injury

Rising, who has been limited in practice this week, suffered the injury on September 7 during a game against Baylor. In a moment that left fans holding their breath, he awkwardly landed on a water cooler after throwing the ball away. With the season hanging in the balance, Rising's ability to perform at full capacity remains in question. His injury, affecting his fingers, can significantly impact the spin and velocity of his throws, key components in his passing effectiveness.

Game Observations and Preparation

Last week, Rising had been seen warming up with a glove on his injured hand but did not suit up against Utah State. Observers noted that he had two fingers wrapped during the Baylor game, leaving uncertainty whether he will use the glove during the critical game against Oklahoma State.

Backup Quarterback Isaac Wilson

Utah's offensive strategy predominantly involves snaps from under center, which can exacerbate the stress on his injured fingers. If Rising is unable to compete, the responsibility will fall to backup quarterback Isaac Wilson, a true freshman who stepped into the spotlight last week, delivering an impressive performance with 20 completions on 33 attempts for 239 yards and three touchdowns against Utah State.

Background on Isaac Wilson

Adding a personal touch to the story, Isaac is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, who now plays for the Denver Broncos.

Rising's Career and Challenges

As a seventh-year senior, Rising has demonstrated resilience and skill in his previous seasons with the Utes, particularly during standout years in 2021 and 2022, where he rose to become one of the Pac-12’s leading quarterbacks. Unfortunately, he has faced a string of injuries, including a devastating setback in the Rose Bowl after the 2022 season that kept him sidelined for the entire 2023 campaign.

The Stakes of the Showdown

With such significant stakes in play, all eyes will be on Rising's status as game time approaches. Will he be able to lead the Utes to victory against the Cowboys, or will they rely on the fresh talent of Isaac Wilson to carry the team? Saturday's showdown promises to be a thriller, setting the stage for a dramatic chapter in both teams' seasons.