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Injured Utah QB Dampier Fights to Play in Crucial Matchup
26 Oct
Summary
- Junior QB Dampier dealing with lower leg injury
- Backup Ficklin ready to start if Dampier unavailable
- Utah missing key receivers Merriweather and Vakalahi

As of October 26th, 2025, the Utah Utes are preparing for a crucial matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes, with their starting quarterback Dampier's availability in question. Dampier, a junior transfer, has been dealing with a lower leg injury throughout the season and was "beat up" in the Utes' 24-21 loss to rival BYU last weekend.
Despite the injury, Dampier was able to practice this week and is expected to play on Saturday. However, if he is unable to go, true freshman backup Byrd Ficklin would be in line to start. Ficklin saw limited action against BYU, playing four snaps.
In addition to Dampier's injury, the Utes will also be without two key offensive weapons. Wide receiver Tobias Merriweather, who ranks second on the team with 130 receiving yards, and defensive tackle Dallas Vakalahi have both been downgraded from doubtful to out for the Colorado game.




