This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

When it was announced Monday that http://bit.ly/2dDohHm";>J.J. Dielman was out for the year, it was a tough blow for Utah's offense.

Turns out it may not even be the final gut-punch for Utah this week at the position.

Kyle Whittingham acknowledged the center position is "tenuous" this week after he was asked about Lo Falemaka's status. The junior center was not made available for media and was spotted wearing a protective boot.

While Whittingham wouldn't divulge if Falemaka will play center this week, he said "ideally yes."

"We're blowing through centers," he added. "It's difficult. The sheet is full."

The next player on the depth chart is senior Nick Nowakowski, and senior guard Isaac Asiata and senior tackle Sam Tevi were also practicing shotgun snaps after practice.

Utah's injury situation appears uniquely dire this week. While the Utes don't openly discuss injuries during the season unless they are season-ending, http://www.sltrib.com/sports/4420166-155/utah-football-injury-bug-leaves-utes";>four happened during Utah's game against Cal, and other players missed starts in Berkeley.

An accounting (as far as we know) of key players who have either been hurt in games, missed time recently, or who Whittingham has said are hurt:

Out for the season • C Hiva Lutui (knee), TE Siale Fakailoatonga (knee), DE Kylie Fitts (foot), C J.J. Dielman (lower leg)

Missed last week • DT Lowell Lotulelei (shoulder), WR Cory Butler-Byrd (unknown)

Left during last week's game • WR Tim Patrick (lower leg); WR Kyle Fulks (unknown); CB Reggie Porter (unknown)

"Dinged up" this week • RB Troy McCormick (unknown), C Lo Falemaka (lower leg)

There's likely other health issues on the team that have not yet risen to the level of mere acknowledgement. When asked about quarterback Troy Williams' willingness to run the ball, Whittingham said: "Some weeks he feels better than others. It's another situation."

The Utes have said that they are working to not get frustrated by injuries, despite the obvious temptation. Williams said he struggled at times with body language after a particular series on Saturday before Asiata took him aside and reminded him to be a leader.

Senior corner Dominique Hatfield said he once played on a team that was whittled down to 25 players thanks to injuries. Utah's current situation doesn't faze him in the same way.

"We always have the mentality next man up," he said. "The next person's gotta play. Whether it's a freshman or a senior, the next person's gotta play. … They've got to study like the starter. They've got to perform like the starter."

The Utes may ascribe to "next man up," but as the season plugs along, it's becoming less clear who that next man may be.

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon