Pete ThamelESPNSep 9, 2023, 06:30 AM ET2 Minute Read
Utah quarterback Cam Rising is expected to miss his second straight game against Baylor on Saturday as he continues to recover from a torn ACL, sources told ESPN.
Rising stepped up his training this week, but sources said he won’t be able to play despite his trip to Waco with the team.
According to sources, he is expected to return later this month. Utah plays Weber State of the FCS next week before opening Pac-12 play against UCLA on Sept. 23, a logical target date as he continues to practice more.
Sources say former reserve Bryson Barnes will make his second start for Utah on Saturday. Reserve quarterback Nate Johnson, who served effectively as a change-of-pace in the opening game, is expected to once again play an important role in the game plan to utilize his speed.
Rising established himself as one of the top names in the game last season, throwing for 3,034 yards and 26 touchdowns before getting injured in the Rose Bowl. He has led Utah to two consecutive 10-win and Pac-12 title seasons.
Without Rising against Florida last Thursday, Utah still managed to score 24 points. Highlights included a 70-yard strike from Barnes to Money Parks for the game’s first score and Johnson’s 27-yard rushing touchdown.
Saturday marked the third career start for Barnes, who completed 12 of 18 passes for 159 yards against Florida. He threw no interceptions and helped play an efficient game that allowed Utah to lean on its stout defense.
Baylor will also be without its top quarterback after starter Blake Shapen injured his MCL in the season-opening loss to Texas State. He is expected to be out for two to three weeks. Sawyer Robertson, a Mississippi transfer, will make his first career start. He threw for 113 yards and an interception to relieve Shapen against Texas State.