Utah’s first availability report for Saturday’s trip to Cincinnati brought a familiar kind of news: a couple of players out, one still in the gray area, and one important note that needed clarification.
The Utes listed wide receiver Daidren Zipperer and linebacker Tayson Reid as out, while tight end Hunter Andrews landed in the questionable category. That was the full Utah side of Wednesday’s initial report.
Andrews remains the key name to watch as the week moves on. His status is still unsettled, but Utah appears to believe there’s a real chance he suits up.
One player who did not appear on the report is freshman offensive lineman Kelvin Obot, and that does not mean he has been cleared. KSL Sports confirmed Obot is still injured, just not listed because his status has not changed.
Obot was hurt against Colorado and sat out Utah’s win over Houston. His absence has already forced some shuffling up front, with Roger Alderman getting the start at left guard against the Cougars.
Head coach Morgan Scalley said Monday that Obot was getting a second opinion as the Utes tried to sort out the next step. Scalley didn’t rule out a season-ending outcome, but said that had not been decided.
“He’s still unavailable, but progressing,” Scalley said.
Cincinnati’s report comes with more uncertainty on the line of scrimmage. Starting center Taran Tyo and nose tackle Josh Hough are both questionable, and those are two names that matter for the Bearcats.
Tyo, a fifth-year lineman and a Rimington Trophy midseason watch list selection, is the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s protection and run blocking. If he can’t go, that would be a major hit to the Bearcats’ offensive front.
Hough, listed at 335 pounds, started the first six games before missing the Texas Tech win. He has put up 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, and last week freshman Jonathan Rulo started in his place.
Cincinnati does have one notable offensive piece trending in the right direction. Slot receiver Isaiah Johnson is probable, and he has been productive with 26 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown, which makes him quarterback JC French IV’s most established option underneath.
The rest of Cincinnati’s report is mostly about depth. Receiver Giyahni Kontosis is out after recording five catches for 39 yards.
Reserve linebacker Montay Weedon is doubtful with seven tackles. Tight end DaMari Witherspoon is also out and has not played this season.
Freshman receiver Jalen Williams is probable after three appearances without a catch.
The Big 12’s daily availability process started three days before conference games, and the final update will come 90 minutes before kickoff, so there’s still room for some of these designations to shift before Saturday.
No. 6 Utah enters at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in Big 12 play. Cincinnati is 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
Kickoff is set for 1:45 p.m. Mountain on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Nippert Stadium, with the game airing on ESPN.
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