Utah Utes may be without Tavion Thomas against Washington State

Following a series of events, the Utah Utes may be without Tavion Thomas against Washington State.

After whats been a tough season for the running back group as a whole, the Utah Utes may be without veteran running back Tavion Thomas against Washington State on Thursday.

Utah Utes running back Tavion Thomas (9) runs for a touchdown against Southern Utah Thunderbirds linebacker Kohner Cullimore (46) in the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Following a series of events that included Thomas departing early from the USC game, some vague responses by Kyle Whittingham and some comments by Thomas on social media, it appears unlikely that Thomas will play against the Cougars.

Whittingham cites keeping things internal in terms of the RBs.

Says he believes they have things sorted out to his liking at this point.

— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) October 24, 2022

Whittingham said the RB situation has been sorted out internally and they're not going to say anything publicly. They feel like they've gotten the right order right now.

— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) October 24, 2022

I’m build for it 💯 everything that comes my way , I’ll overcome it 🙏🏾

— Tavion.Thomas (@thiagoothomas9) October 23, 2022

When you expand the Utah Football Instagram post, there are several comments by Thomas where he says, "Go get it," and "Ima be watching n cheering," which very well could mean he'll be watching his team from the sidelines.

If the Utes are in fact without Thomas on Thursday, it's likely we'll see a lot more touches from Jaylon Glover and Ja'Quinden Jackson as Micah Bernard is reportedly out as well. 

Utah Utes running back Jaylon Glover (1) runs the ball in to the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice-Eccles Stadium / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

To this point in the season, Glover has posted 158 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries (4.1 Avg). Meanwhile, Jackson has 74 yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries (4.1 Avg).

Even though Utah will have to adjust if they are without their two primary backs, the Utes should still manage just fine. 

Through seven games, Washington State is allowing an average of 243.6 yards per game through the air compared to just 123.7 on the ground. With what Rising has been doing as of late, both on the ground and especially through the air, Utah's offense will still have plenty of ways to move the chains and get into the end zone.

While nothing has been confirmed by the team, if Thomas and Bernard do in fact sit out on Thursday, hopefully this is just a temporary setback and they'll be able to return to the field soon.

For now, all eyes are on Glover.

Facebook - @FanNationAllUtes

Twitter - @FN_AllUtes

Instagram - @fannation_allutes