Kyle Whittingham is not ruling out a possible postseason return for linebacker Lander Barton.

Barton was injured in Utah’s win over USC this past weekend. After the game, Whittingham told reporters the injury would be season-ending for the starting linebacker. When he met with media members on Monday, Whittingham said Barton could be back for a bowl game.

A 6-foot-4 sophomore from Cottonwood Heights, Barton had started each of Utah’s first seven games this season. He entered Saturday’s contest with 25 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Injuries have been a concern for the Utes all year, and Barton’s injury becomes the sixth known season-ender for a member of the two-deep thus far. But Utah just keeps winning. And after the 34-32 win over the Trojans, a return trip to the Pac-12 title is very much in play.

The Utes (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) host the Oregon Ducks next Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on FOX.