SALT LAKE CITY — Utah running back Devontae Booker reportedly had knee surgery Thursday and will be sidelined for upcoming games against UCLA and Colorado. He may also miss any postseason games the Utes play.
Although university officials declined to confirm the news — citing Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s policy not to comment on injuries that aren’t clearly season-ending — the Associated Press verified earlier media reports through Booker’s father, Ronnie. He told the news service that Devontae suffered a torn meniscus and bone bruise in his left knee during last Saturday’s 37-30 double-overtime loss at Arizona.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Ronnie Booker, who noted that his son was disappointed and told him that starting rehab and “getting back right" was on his mind now. The hope is for Devontae to be able to play in a bowl game for Utah, or at least be ready for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30.
ESPN 700AM’s Sean O’Connell was the first to report on Booker’s surgery, breaking the news via Twitter.
ESPN.com’s David Lombardi later reported — after speaking with Ronnie Booker — that the tear was not considered to be severe and would take an estimated 4-6 weeks to heal.
Booker rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown last week to equal a school record with his 14th career 100-yard game. The senior has netted 1,261 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns this season. He also has 37 catches for 318 yards receiving, making him Utah’s runaway leader in all-purpose yards.
On Monday, Whittingham acknowledged that Booker’s status for this week was a question mark and that more evaluations would take place.
Booker told the Deseret News Tuesday that he hoped to keep playing.
“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.
Before learning that surgery was necessary, Booker also emphasized that if it were his call he would continue to be on the field.
“If it isn’t I’ve just got to respect it and go with it from there,” he added.
Backup Joe Williams, a junior college transfer who began his career at Connecticut, is slated to take Booker’s place in the starting lineup. The junior, who has rushed for 78 yards on 19 carries this season, is slated to get the “lion’s share” of rushes this week. On Monday, Whittingham noted the possibility of giving Williams 20-25 carries if Booker was not available to play.
Whittingham described Williams as a capable back who is explosive and tough. He had 37 yards on seven carries in the loss at Arizona.
"We should have utilized him more in the last game as things turned out. Devontae thought he was going to be able to return at full strength, but it was very obvious that he wasn't,” Whittingham said. “We probably should have put Joe back in again and given him a few more touches, but what was encouraging was that while he was in there he provided a spark for us and looked really good.
“Right now, he's the heir apparent to Devontae so that bodes well for next year,” Whittingham continued at his weekly press conference. “Although it was only seven carries he had, he did a good job."
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