Coach Whittingham Updates Injury Status For Utah Football
Sep 2, 2024, 11:14 AM | Updated: 11:24 am
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - AUGUST 29: Head coach Kyle Whittingham of the Utah Utes smiles as he talks into his head set during the second half of their game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice Eccles Stadium on August 29, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football took care of business last week in their 49-0 victory over the Southern Utah Thunderbirds. Unfortunately, there were also a couple of noteworthy injuries in the game.
In Monday’s weekly press conference, head coach Kyle Whittingham provided status updates on the two injured players Kenan Johnson and Aliki Vimahi.
Utah moving forward after Kenan Johnson’s injury
With Johnson’s injury, he will be eligible for a medical redshirt. It’s the sort that Whittingham dubbed as a “slam dunk” if he elects to pursue it, which is the silver lining for him and Utah.
How do they move forward without him this season? Utah was able to manage Thursday night by simply plugging in redshirt sophomore Elijah “Scooby” Davis. He actually had a good showing, which was highlighted by an interception. He will be asked to step up and fill a bigger role this season.
The program was also without Cameron Calhoun for most of the summer. He returned late in fall camp and has been progressing towards a return. The goal has been for Calhoun to return by week two or three but Johnson’s injury exacerbates the need.
Coach Whittingham noted that Calhoun will be back for this weekend’s matchup with Baylor.
Smith Snowden could make a move to the outside. He had a and Tao Johnson is also an option. However, it seems Utah would prefer to keep him at free safety.
Despite fear, Aliki Vimahi is not lost for the season
Vimahi suffered an injury but coach Whittingham noted that it is not season-ending for him. That’s a big positive as there was fear that the injury would end his season.
Even if Vimahi misses time, Utah has depth at tackle. They were without Simote Pepa and Tevita Fotu against SUU due to minor injuries. However, Pepa is expected to be good for week two, while Fotu’s immediate status is less clear.
Utah also has true freshman Dallas Vakalahi and Jori Benson as deeper options to play inside. Coaches also moved defensive end Jonah Leaea inside to tackle during camp. That rounds out the depth for Utah at defensive tackle.
Utah Football Schedule
Utah will be back in action against the Baylor Bears for week two on Saturday. You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.
