There was a bit of nostalgia for the Utah Blaze in practice this week. Foregoing a typical practice at EnergySolutions Arena on Thursday, the team headed out to Woods Cross High School for an open-air session.

Consider it a refresher for the Blaze, who will take on Spokane on Saturday in the AFL's first-ever outdoor game.

"It's definitely nice to be outside and get a little bit of sunshine," defensive back Al Phillips says. "It takes you back to college."

But the sunshine is one of the few bright spots for the Blaze, who have been ravaged by injuries and departures.

Against Chicago last week, Utah lost both starting quarterback Tommy Grady and reserve quarterback Jordan Rassmussen when they were hurt in the 59-35 loss. Defensive end Khreem Smith has left for the CFL, while receiver Ernie Pierce will join the UFL this week.

The roster holes have been filled by late signings, particularly at quarterback, where the team has brought in Todd Hammel and EJ Nemeth to try to run the offense. The timing of the setbacks is possibly the most inopportune for Utah, which is tied for the last playoff spot with the Shock with only three games left.

"Anytime you lose your starting quarterback, there's a lot of trepidation as to what happens next," coach Ron James says. "But the attitude has bounced back, and our playmakers have realized they need to step up."

Even if the Blaze say they are optimistic, the situation is certainly grim. With only three games left and Grady on the injured reserve list, Utah must figure out how to get an offense going after scoring a season-low 35 last week. A lot of the game falls on the shoulders of the receivers.

It will be a daunting task against a Shock team that ironically resurged this season after the Blaze sent them backup passer Erik Meyer in a trade. Utah knows just about everything will have to go right for them to win.

"We know we have to use every positive aspect of this game to come out like animals and play hard," receiver Aaron Lesue says. "We're down about losing Tommy, but if you aren't prepared for injuries, you shouldn't play this game. It's a team sport, and our success will be about how we perform as a team out there."

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon —

Utah Blaze at Spokane Shock

P At Joe Albi Stadium, Spokane, Wash.

Kickoff • 7 p.m.

Records • Blaze 7-8; Shock 7-8

Radio • 1280 AM, 104.7 FM

Online • NiftyTV

Briefly • The Blaze take on divisional rival Spokane in the AFL's first regular-season game played outdoors; the team is dealing with injuries to its starting and backup quarterbacks.