Utah Faces Potential Setback at QB Ahead of Florida Matchup

Utah is reportedly facing another injury at quarterback ahead of its 2023 season-opener against Florida.

Photo: Brandon Rose; Credit: UtahUtes.com

Utah redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Rose suffered an undisclosed injury that is thought to be serious during the team's Friday scrimmage, according to Josh Furlong of KSL Sports.

Rose shared an update to his Instagram story on Friday evening saying he had been "released" and is expected to make a full recovery.

While no specifics have been offered yet by Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, Rose's injury serves as a potential setback for the Utes at quarterback as they prepare to host the Florida Gators for each program's 2023 season opener, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT on Aug. 31 in Salt Lake City. 

The team has already been without the healthiest version of tenured starting quarterback and fifth-year senior Cameron Rising — who was 22-of-32 passing for 216 yards, a touchdown and an interception, with 91 rushing yards, against Florida in Week 1 last year — throughout the offseason up to this point.

Rising has been a limited participant in practices while recovering from a torn ACL, suffered in January's Rose Bowl against Penn State. He has yet to be cleared by doctors to fully participate, casting doubt over his availability for the matchup with Florida. 

Rose took the lead for the role of Rising's backup — and by nature of Rising's injury, the temporary first-team position — following a 19-of-24, 233-yard, one-touchdown showing in Utah's spring scrimmage, although fourth-year junior Bryson Barnes has remained involved in the quarterback competition during fall camp.

In 13 career appearances with the Utes, Barnes has completed 39-of-59 passing attempts with 453 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Whittingham is likely to be asked about Rose's injury and Rising's status during his Tuesday press conference.

In quarterback news for the Gators, head coach Billy Napier named Wisconsin transfer and fifth-year redshirt junior Graham Mertz as Florida's starting signal-caller on Friday. Read All Gators' takeaways from the announcement here.

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