Is Cam Rising playing today? Utah QB's availability for Week 5 explored

Utah Utes quarterback Cam Rising has spent the last few weeks out injured. During this time, he was replaced by Issac Wilson, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson. In Week 5, the Utah Utes face the Arizona Wildcats, but will Cam Rising be the starting quarterback for the game?

---

Cam Rising Injury Update

Rising was ruled fit to play the Utes' game last week against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Eventually, it was a last-minute decision to play Wilson over Rising, mostly because Rising's throws were still being affected by his injured hand.

At the time, Utah coach Jordan Whittingham explained his reasoning for not playing Rising:

"Not enough velocity on the ball — plain and simple. (Rising was) just not able to spin it like he needs to. Just didn’t have that zip on the ball.”

This week, the Utes face the Arizona Wildcats, but the starting quarterback is still not known.

Both Rising and Wilson are able to play, and it will be up to Jordan Whittingham to make the decision on which of these players will be the starting quarterback.

---

What happened to Cam Rising?

Rising's injury came in the second week of the season, when the Utah Utes faced the Baylor Bears. Rising played most of the first half, throwing two touchdowns to give the Utes the lead

However, near the end of the half, he was pushed into the water coolers on the Baylor sidelines during a play, injuring his throwing hand. After a trip to the medical tent, he was seen with his middle and ring fingers bandaged up.

The injury was originally described by Whittingham as "not serious" and that a return would come very soon. Three weeks later, though, Cam Rising has still not played a snap at quarterback, allowing Issac Wilson to thrive and keep Utah's unbeaten season alive.

---

When will Cam Rising return?

Rising could return in week five, but that's all dependent on what the coach decides. If he's unable to play against Arizona this week, he could return next week.

That game will be against the Arizona State Sun Devils, who after a good start to the season, beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs, could struggle against many of their fellow Big 12 programs, as they did last week against Texas Tech.

Rising would have a slightly easier challenge than the Arizona Wildcats would have presented, as the Sun Devils are weaker than their state rivals.