Utah QB Isaac Wilson’s Injury A Result Of ‘Gator Roll’
Nov 25, 2024, 3:59 PM | Updated: 4:17 pm
SALT LAKE CITY , UT - NOVEMBER 23: Isaac Wilson #11 of the Utah Utes runs onto the field for warmups before their game agaisnt the Iowa State Cyclones at the Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY— Utah freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson suffered an injury during the Iowa State game.
On Monday, Kyle Whittingham provided some updates on the injury situation.
Season finale in Orlando this week‼️
🆚 UCF
🏟️ FBC Mortgage Stadium
⏰ FRI 11.29 | 6:00PM MT
📺 FOX
📻 ESPN 700 AM / 92.1 FM#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Hp4IMzzHOG— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 25, 2024
RELATED: ‘Put The Program First’ Will Be At The Core Of Kyle Whittingham’s Own Future
Isaac Wilson’s Injury Vs Iowa State
Wilson’s injury occurred late in the third quarter. He escaped the pocket but was tackled from behind.
The defender made contact and wrapped up Wilson’s lower leg, taking him to the ground. Then the defender rolled and twisted Wilson’s leg.
“The initial tackle was not what caused it,” head coach Kyle Whittingham shared. “I think it was the rollover. It was the finish of the tackle; however you want to term that, that’s what it was.”
Whittingham did not say or suggest that it was a dirty play, he only commented on when the injury happened.
DIRTY play… Joey Peterson (DE), Iowa State, with an unnecessary gator roll tackle, causing a knee injury and likely ending the season for Utah QB Isaac Wilson pic.twitter.com/9vp1XDoPlb
— Zach R (@ZachR004) November 24, 2024
Wilson immediately reached for his knee, clearly in pain. He was helped to the medical tent before he exited the field for the locker room under his own power.
Recovery Timeline For Isaac Wilson
The good news is that Wilson seems to have avoided a devastating injury—the sort that will keep him on the shelf for a few weeks, not a few months.
On Monday, Whittingham shared that spring ball is still in play for Wilson despite the injury.
“Yes, we believe that’ll be the case,” Whittingham said. “There’s still a few more evaluations that need to take place, but it’s looking like spring ball is in play.”
Luke Bottari To Start Vs UCF
“Luke Bottari came in and really provided a spark,” Whittingham shared. “Just like last year when he was called upon in the Colorado game, will be the starter.”
It was noteworthy how the offense immediately found success with Bottari in the game. For the second time this season, a backup quarterback to Wilson provided a spark.
“For a guy that started the season as the fifth-string guy and really didn’t have a whole lot of a chance to play, he just continued to keep himself ready every single week,” Whittingham shared. “He’ll get the opportunity this week to be the starter.”
Bottari finished 5-of-9 for 55 yards but started 3-of-4 for 36 yards. He completed three passes that converted first downs. He added 47 yards on the ground, 40 of which came on one attempt.
What Happened To Cam Rising?
Rising has dealt with injury for much of his college football career. He missed the entirety of last season due to a knee injury.
This season, he injured his throwing hand in the team’s game against the Baylor Bears.
He then suffered a lower leg injury in his return against Arizona State that required surgery and ended his season for good.
