Six former Utah football players who played for the Utes between 2020 and 2024 have alleged that the program mishandled their injuries, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. Edge rusher Van Fillinger, wide receiver Mycah Pittman, running back Jaylon Glover tight end Miki Suguturaga, defensive lineman Tevita Fitu and one anonymous player claimed they felt pressured to return to game action before they were fully healed. In some cases, like that of Fillinger, players said their injuries were also misdiagnosed.
In 2022, Fillinger injured his leg in practice, saying he heard a "snap" before going down. Despite an inability to walk, Fillinger was diagnosed with an ankle sprain and had to wear a walking boot throughout the week. Finally, at the end of the week, Fillinger got an X-ray, and it revealed a season-ending tibia fracture.
Upon returning for the 2023 season, Fillinger claims the ankle in that same leg hadn't fully healed, saying it was "just destroyed." Fillinger's doctor recommended six weeks of rest, and he alleges his position coach Lewis Powell originally agreed to let him redshirt. The Tribune obtained audio of a doctor's appointment attended by Fillinger, his mother and a Utah physician. In the audio, the physician discussed a six-week recovery time for Fillinger.
Just three weeks after that, Utah edge rusher Logan Fano suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Fillinger said Powell asked him about returning to action under the direction of then head coach Kyle Whittingham. When he asked what might happen if he didn't play, Fillinger was threatened with dismissal. "He said that I'll be kicked off the team if I don't play," Fillinger said.
Fillinger played 11 games that season and recorded 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. After the season, Fillinger required a second surgery to repair his ankle. In 2024 fall camp, Pittman was diagnosed with an ankle sprain after getting tangled with a Utes defender.
Pittman underwent an X-Ray but did not receive an MRI. Despite the injury, Pittman also said he felt extra pressure to return quickly. "The pressure to play was definitely there," Pittman said.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
