Utah QB Cam Rising Exits Baylor Game Due to Right Hand Injury

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — During the first half of Saturday’s match against Baylor, Utah quarterback Cam Rising suffered a right hand injury that forced him to leave the game.

The injury occurred with 1:55 left in the second quarter, prompting Rising to head to the locker room for X-rays. He has since been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

At the time of the injury, No. 11 Utah was leading Baylor 23-0. Rising had made a scramble and released the ball just before stepping out of bounds when he was unfortunately shoved into the water coolers on Baylor’s sideline. In an effort to break his fall, he landed on his hand.

Immediately, Rising appeared to be in pain, clutching his fingers on his right hand. After a brief consultation with the coaching staff, he made his way to the locker room, covering his throwing hand with a towel.

The season began with significant expectations for Rising and Utah, who were voted as the preseason favorites in their first year in the Big 12 conference.

In their opening game, Rising showcased his skills by throwing for five touchdowns in less than a half during a dominant 49-0 victory over Southern Utah. Prior to the injury against Baylor, he had completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

The team’s dynamics may shift considerably depending on the severity of Rising’s injury, which remains uncertain. His departure comes at a critical moment for the Utes, who were looking to build momentum in the early stages of the season.

In Rising’s absence, the Utah coaching staff will need to adjust their strategy and potentially rely on the backup quarterback to maintain their lead. The game against Baylor is a significant one for the Utes, and they will have to adapt quickly without their starting player.

This injury underscores the physical toll of college football, particularly for quarterbacks who often endure significant hits while leading their teams on the field. Rising’s experience and leadership have been key components for Utah, making his presence in the game invaluable.

The Utes will undoubtedly be keen to monitor Rising’s recovery process as they prepare for their upcoming games, hoping he can return to the field as soon as possible. In the meantime, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts to this unexpected challenge.

After such a promising start to the season, this injury could dampen the Utes’ aspirations, depending on how the season unfolds. Whether Rising can make a swift recovery will likely influence their performance in the highly competitive landscape of college football this year.

As the season progresses, Utah will look to overcome adversity, especially if they are to achieve their goals without their star quarterback. Rising’s health will be a focal point as the Utes aim to maintain their ranking and success in the Big 12.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the enduring spirit of teams as they navigate through challenges, maintaining a competitive edge in pursuit of victory.