Report: Utah's Cam Rising still recovering from injury, Nate Johnson to start at QB against UCLA

Many believed Cam Rising would be starting for the Utah Utes by now. That’s not the case, and it looks like it’ll continue that way for at least another week.

As Utah looks for a victory over the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Pete Thamel of ESPN is reporting Rising won’t be starting for the Utes once again, and it’ll be Nate Johnson called upon to lead the program once again.

“Utah star quarterback Cam Rising will not start against No. 22 UCLA on Saturday for the No. 11 Utes as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear in the Rose Bowl, multiple sources told ESPN,” Thamel reported. “Nate Johnson, the dynamic back-up who leapfrogged Bryson Barnes on the depth chart, is expected to start his second straight game for the Utes, sources said.

“Rising’s availability against the Bruins is uncertain. He was given clearance to practice without limitation in early September and was given positive reports by coach Kyle Whittingham earlier this week about how he looked in practice. Rising has yet to play this season for Utah.”

While Rising practiced all week, Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham told ESPN Radio’s Ian Fitzsimmons that a decision will be made late in the week on his availability. Rising’s return would’ve be a major boon for the Utes, but it won’t be happening in Week 4.

“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, earlier in the Week.

Alas, 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.

Now, the Utes will hope to find victory once again without Cam Rising, leaning on Nate Johnson to get the job done against UCLA.

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 had 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.”