Booker’s father told Lombardi that his son will miss the rest of the regular season and probably the Pac-12 Championship were Utah to qualify. Apparently the younger Booker’s injury isn’t severe but will require four to six weeks of recovery.
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The Utes simply don’t have another running back on their roster who fits that description outside of Booker.
Citing coach Kyle Whittingham’s policy not to discuss non-season ending injuries, Utah officials declined to comment on the situation.
If Booker is unable to return for the Utes bowl game, the hope is he will be healthy enough to play in the January 24 Senior Bowl. He has 2,773 yards in his Utah career, third in school history. The senior has netted 1,261 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. Booker also has 318 receiving yards and ranks 10th nationally with 1,579 all-purpose yards.
“I’m not banged up at all, really – just something that I’ve got to get treated and get better before the game”, Booker said, per The Deseret News.
After spending two seasons in junior college, Booker transferred to Utah for the 2014 season.
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With Booker out of the lineup, backup Joe Williams is likely to see an increased workload. On the season, Williams has just 19 carries for 78 yards with no touchdowns. “But he’s explosive, and he’s tough, and he’s a good back”. Williams rushed seven times against the Wildcats last Saturday for 37 yards.
