Kyle Whittingham provided an update on his team’s laundry list of injuries entering Week 7. The most notable of which is star QB Cam Rising. Rising blew his knee out in the Rose Bowl against Penn State and has yet to make his season debut.

Tight end Brant Kuithe has also yet to make his season debut. Logan Fano and Spencer Fano both got injured against Oregon State. QB Bryson Barnes had to visit the hospital after the Oregon State game. This only scratches the surface of the injury issues the Utes have had to endure this season.

During his Monday press conference, Whittingham was asked if he anticipates getting some of those guys back for the Week 7 matchup against Cal. While the head coach did not provide anything concrete, he did at least express hope for some guys to return.

“We hope so. None of them were able to go last week,” said Whittingham. “Last week was a week to try to get some guys healed up. We’ll find out more today at practice what we’ve got.”

Whittingham was mum on specifics regarding Rising’s return. However, Rising’s surgeon recently stated that it “could be a week or two,” before the QB is able to debut. Rising himself also went public recently with the full details of what proved to be a horrific knee injury.

With Rising still needing some time, and Barnes being injured as well, it appears that redshirt freshman Nate Johnson will get the start this week. Brandon Rose and Luke Bottari will be the backup options for now.

Even with all the injuries, Whittingham’s Utes have performed admirably thus far. The team is ranked No. 16 and has just 1 loss.