Early in the second quarter Saturday night against Arizona State, Utah tight end Brant Kuithe was helped off the field after an apparent knee injury.

The star tight end went straight to the medical tent on Utah’s sideline and stayed there for a bit. When he emerged, he was on crutches with a large bag of ice wrapped around his right knee. Kuithe did not have his shoulder pads or helmet, signaling his day is over.

He had two catches for 15 yards before the injury.

The senior tight end from Katy, Texas led the team in receptions (17) and receiving yards (191) coming into the night. He had touchdowns in each of the Utes’ first three games this year heading into the Pac-12 opener.

It’s important not to get too far ahead before we know what’s going on, but if Kuithe misses any extended time, it’s a significant loss for the 13th-ranked Utes. He’s one of the most talented and versatile players in college football. A year ago he had 611 yards and six scores and is one of quarterback Cameron Rising’s most trusted targets.