Utah QB Travis Wilson cleared to play after potential career-ending injury

Update (June 24, 2014): Utah’s announcement:

A CT scan on June 20 revealed that the previous injury to an intracranial artery has remained stable since his last test in February. The injury was first discovered after Wilson suffered a concussion in a Nov. 9 game against Arizona State last fall.

“Obviously, it’s great news that Travis has been medically cleared to play football again,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “Travis’ health was our number one concern and we’re relieved for him and his family that he is OK.”

“I’m happy I’ve been cleared to play again,” said Wilson. “My condition is stable and the neurosurgeon predicted it will remain stable in the future. I had a feeling nothing would change from the previous scan, so I’ve been working to get back into shape. I feel totally comfortable about returning to football and full contact. I believe I’ve been playing with this condition for awhile and never even knew about it. I’m going to keep playing just the way I’ve always played. I knew something positive would come out of the whole thing.”

Wilson, who participated in non-contact drills in the spring, will enter fall camp No. 1 on the depth chart, although he must beat out five other scholarship QBs to regain his starting job. A starter since his true freshman season in 2012, when he played in all 12 games and started the last seven, Wilson has passed for 3,138 yards and 23 touchdowns in his first two seasons. His 12.02 career yards per completion ranks fourth all-time at Utah and his .592 career completion percentage (261-of-441) ranks seventh.

Wilson played and started in nine games as a sophomore in 2013, leading Utah to a 4-2 start, including an upset win over undefeated and No. 5-ranked Stanford. But an injury to his throwing hand caused him to miss the second half in losses to Arizona and USC and his season ended the next week after a concussion against Arizona State. He finished with 1,827 yards passing and 16 touchdowns and ranked third on the team in rushing with 81 carries for 386 yards (4.8 average) and five touchdowns.

The injury appears to be a serious one, with an unknown pre-existing condition showing up on tests that may make the injury a career-ending one.

Wilson, a sophomore, had 21 total touchdowns on the season and was a fan favorite for the Utes, establishing a reputation as a “legend” early on in his career.