Mandy
Kansas and Utah are preparing to face off in their 10th Big 12 conference game, and both programs have released their final injury and availability reports ahead of tip-off. While Utah enters the matchup short-handed, Kansas appears mostly healthy, with only one regular rotation player carrying uncertainty.
Below is a clear breakdown of the latest updates, what they mean for both teams, and which players could step into larger roles.
Kansas vs Utah Availability Report (February 6)
Kansas Jayhawks
- Out: Wilder Evers, Justin Cross
- Questionable: Elmarko Jackson
Utah Utes
- Out: Babacar Faye, Jacob Patrick, Lucas Langarita, Obomate Abbey
Kansas has avoided major injury issues, with only walk-ons Wilder Evers and Justin Cross officially ruled out. The biggest question mark remains Elmarko Jackson, whose status will be decided closer to game time.
Elmarko Jackson’s Status and Impact
Elmarko Jackson is listed as questionable after colliding knees with a teammate during the BYU game. Although he played in Kansas’ Big Monday matchup against Texas Tech, he appeared limited, finishing 0-for-3 shooting in 12 minutes.
If Jackson is unavailable, Kansas may need to adjust its backcourt rotation and rely on depth pieces more than usual.
Darryn Peterson Cleared to Play
The good news for Kansas is that Darryn Peterson does not appear on the injury report. Peterson missed 10 of the Jayhawks’ 13 nonconference games and also sat out the Sunflower Showdown in Manhattan earlier in Big 12 play.
Despite his inconsistent availability late in games this season, all signs indicate that Peterson is expected to play, at least during the early portions of tonight’s contest.
Utah’s Injury Concerns Add Pressure
Utah will be without multiple contributors, including one of its most reliable perimeter threats:
- Jacob Patrick (7.2 PPG, 46.5% from three) has not appeared since December and remains sidelined.
- Backup point guard Obomate Abbey (2.9 PPG, 2.5 APG) will miss his first game of the season.
With the Utes sitting at 1–8 in conference play, these absences make an already difficult road matchup even more challenging for Alex Jensen’s team.
Players Who Could Step Up if Jackson Sits
If Elmarko Jackson cannot go, Kansas head coach Bill Self may be forced to extend his rotation.
- Jayden Dawson is the most likely beneficiary. He has typically been the eighth man in what is often a seven-man rotation.
- Freshman guard Kohl Rosario logged eight minutes in the previous game, compared to Dawson’s two. Both were scoreless, but Rosario saw a longer run.
- Although Rosario is struggling offensively (24.5% from three), his minutes could increase if Kansas needs additional ball-handling.
- Jamari McDowell may also see extra action, especially if Peterson faces late-game limitations or foul trouble.
Kansas enters its Big 12 clash with Utah in solid overall health, with Elmarko Jackson’s availability being the only real concern. The return of Darryn Peterson provides a boost, even if his minutes are carefully managed.
On the other side, Utah’s absence of key guards like Jacob Patrick and Obomate Abbey significantly thins its rotation. How Kansas manages its backcourt depth — particularly if Jackson sits — could quietly shape the flow and outcome of this matchup.