The Utes and Cougars — and all other Big 12 programs — will have to provide injury reports before all conference games this year.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Kyle Whittingham as the University of Utah hosts USC, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.
Utah football fans won’t have to wonder about their quarterback’s status this year.
On Wednesday, the Big 12 Conference announced that it will release injury availability reports for all football conference games starting this season.
The Utes, Cougars and all other Big 12 programs will be required to provide a report daily three days before a conference contest and another 90 minutes before a kickoff, listing players as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out depending on their status.
For the last two seasons, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has kept news of injuries to Utes players — especially former quarterback Cam Rising — under wraps as a competitive advantage.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) walks off the field after the Utah Utes beat the Baylor Bears, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
In October of last year, Whittingham said he’d support public availability reports if the league decided to mandate them.
“One hundred percent,” The Ute coach said of supporting a potential Big 12 injury report. “But since there is no mandate, why would you tip your hand in any way, shape or form with injuries?
“It doesn’t make sense to give the opponent any more knowledge than they have. That’s the only reason. It’s a competitive advantage. Even though it might be just slight, it’s still an advantage. The less they know, the more we know … that type of deal.”
For two seasons, Rising’s availability was up in the air as a result of various injuries that caused him to miss significant time. The lack of clarity caused some Utah fans to voice their displeasure online.
Utes’ fans can now be assured that they’ll know which of their favorite player is and isn’t playing, at least for conference contests.
Fans can find a full list of weekly injury reports on Big12Sports.com.