Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham thought in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s game against Arizona State that the injury tight end Brant Kuithe suffered could end his season, and when he met with reporters on Monday, he confirmed the news.

Kuithe will miss the rest of the year with a knee injury.

Kuithe was helped off the field in the first half against Arizona State on Saturday with an apparent knee injury. After a spell in the Utah medical tent, Kuithe was seen on crutches with a large ice bag wrapped around his right knee. He did not return.

The senior tight end entered Saturday’s game as Utah’s leading receiver. He had a touchdown reception in each of the team’s first three games as the passing game really leaned on his versatility. He spent the spring working as an outside receiver, honing his ability as a pass-catcher to be an integral part of the offense in what seemingly would be his final season in Salt Lake City.

Kuithe is in his fifth year with the program. He played immediately as a true freshman and has appearances in every single game since — 50 straight games played. He has 19 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

The 6-foot-2 tight end could take the year as a redshirt and return for a sixth season with the program, or he could try and make the jump to the NFL after he rehabs. The 2023 NFL Draft Combine is scheduled to be held Feb. 28 through March 6.

In Kuithe’s absence, Thomas Yassmin slides up into his spot. Dalton Kincaid becomes an even bigger target for quarterback Cameron Rising.

“He’s gonna be the No. 1 guy inside and we’re gonna be looking for him to produce,” Rising said on Saturday. “He’s gonna have a great amount of production because of it.”