Report: Utah will make call Thursday on Cam Rising's availability vs. UCLA

Thursday will be a big day for Utah as the Utes prepare for a Pac-12 opener against UCLA at home on Saturday. That’s because on Thursday, Utah medical staff will make a decision on whether quarterback Cam Rising will play.

Rising practiced all week and Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham told ESPN Radio’s Ian Fitzsimmons that a decision will be made later in the week. Rising’s return would be a major boon for the Utes.

“He has been a full participant in practice for the last week w/ no contact on any of the QB’s of course. We will know Thursday if he can play,” Whittingham said.

Rising has been sidelined during Utah’s 3-0 start as he finishes rehabbing a torn ACL that he suffered on Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl. Utah beat Florida, Baylor and Weber State to start the year.

Quarterbacks Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson have platooned at the position, giving a balance between passing and running looks. But if and when Rising returns, the Utah offense should hit new strides as the star quarterback acclimates and knocks the rust off.

Whether that process begins this weekend against UCLA remains to be seen.

UCLA is prepped for whatever quarterback the Utes might play

For head coach Chip Kelly, not knowing which quarterback Utah might play can make preparing for the game tough.

The problem Utah has been dealing with is Rising’s knee, but the chance he will return makes it difficult to know what to expect from Utah.

“I don’t know,” Kelly said. “That’s a good question. I’ve got a ton of respect for Cam Rising. I think he’s an amazing competitor. We’ve played against him before. He’s been one of the top quarterbacks, not only in this league but in the country for a long time.”

Johnson has primarily worked as the replacement for Utah in the Utes’ first three games, all of which they won. Along with Johnson, Utah has also played Barnes. So, Kelly has three different quarterbacks he may need to prepare for, depending on Rising’s health.

“So, I’m sure Kyle [Whittingham] is always making decisions based on health and safety. Nate Johnson played really well the last couple weeks, but I think you’ve got to prepare for all three.”

Chip Kelly did add that if Rising is healthy enough to go, there won’t be rust. He expects the “full version” of Cam Rising in the game.

Rising has led Utah to back-to-back Pac-12 championships, throwing for 3,034 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while also rushing for another 465 yards and six touchdowns.