Could Utah quarterback Cam Rising return to the field Friday night after missing Utah’s last three games with an injury?

After dislocating his finger and suffering a laceration, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, during the Utes’ Week 2 win over Baylor, Rising is rehabbing and trying to bounce back for his return to the game action.

After the bye week, that moment could be here, as Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reported Thursday afternoon that Rising “will start” for the Utes against Arizona State.

Rising stayed late after practice Tuesday night to get more work done, and notably didn’t wear anything on his throwing hand. During warmups in previous weeks, Utah’s veteran quarterback had worn a glove, and he was spotted with a brace or splint over his ring and middle fingers while signing autographs during the bye week.

On Tuesday, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham offered some hope that Rising would play this week on his ESPN 700 coaching show.

“We’ll see what happens this week with Cam (Rising) and we’re hoping, and I think it looks encouraging, but I’m not going to say anything until we actually get to the game,” Whittingham said.

True freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson filled in in Rising’s absence over the past 3.5 games, helping the Utes to a 3-1 record with wins against Baylor and at Utah State and Oklahoma State before the Utes’ Big 12 home opener against Arizona two lost weeks ago.

The Corner Canyon High alumnus performed well overall — especially considering the situation and the fact that the true freshman split up first-team reps in practice at some points — but offensive issues, especially in the red zone, came to a highlight during the 23rd edition of Utah. -10 loss to Arizona.

Wilson’s final stat line through his three starts was 726 yards and five touchdowns through the air with five interceptions. He added 41 yards rushing (in the NCAA, sacks are counted against a quarterback’s rushing yards). Wilson kept the Utes afloat, but when healthy, Rising takes Andy Ludwig’s offense to a new level.

In just under four combined quarters this year against Southern Utah and Baylor, Rising has thrown for 346 yards and seven touchdowns.

Even with a loss, Utah’s goal of winning the Big 12 is still paramount. The Utes can’t afford another loss for the rest of the trip, so Rising’s return on Friday comes at a crucial time.