Kyle Whittingham announced after Saturday’s win over Baylor that veteran running back Micah Bernard will miss the rest of the season with an injury.

The junior from Long Beach did not play in Utah’s Week 2 victory at Baylor. He had seven carries for 45 yards in the opener against Florida.

Bernard is in his fifth year at Utah. He has one season of eligibility after this year.

Though not a featured back, Bernard has been a key piece of what Utah has wanted to do on offense in recent years. He’s a runner. He’s an option for quarterback Cameron Rising out of the backfield in the pass game.

He has also taken a team-first approach throughout his time in Salt Lake City, even filling in at corner when depth was depleted prior to the 2021 Rose Bowl — where he had to match up with Ohio State of all teams.

Bernard closed out the 2021 season third on the team in rushing, with 529 yards and two scores on 87 carries in 14 games. He was second in rushing during the 2022 campaign, with 533 yards and four scores on 106 carries in 14 more appearances.

Over the last two years, Bernard has also added 60 receptions for 565 yards and another three scores.

The Utes have Ja’Quinden Jackson and Jaylon Glover to lead the room. Chris Curry is also working his way back from an injury.