BYU may face Iowa State this Friday without star running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker due to injuries, according to a October 5 report. While the official BYU football injury report has yet to be released, coach Kalani Sitake stated during a Monday press conference that both players currently look doubtful for the matchup.
Martin, the reigning Big 12 Conference offensive player of the year, left the Cougars' 17-10 win over TCU on Saturday, Sept. 19, midway through the first quarter with an apparent lower leg injury. During that game, Martin was seen testing his ankle with trainers before returning to the field in street clothes for the final 30 minutes. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick did not share specific details regarding Martin's injury during an interview with KSL's Greg Wrubell.
Linebacker Isaiah Glasker appeared to land awkwardly on his hip during an interception return by teammate Faletau Satuala. While Glasker was seen with a significant limp during the game, defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga told Wrubell that the injury is not season-ending and expects the senior linebacker to return to the lineup in a few weeks.
Despite these setbacks, the Cougars expect several players to return to the lineup for the game against Iowa State. Cornerback and punt returner Cannon DeVries is expected to return after sitting out most of the TCU game, and linebacker Siale Esera is anticipated to return after missing the previous two games.
To address the potential absence of Martin, Sitake noted that the team will rely on a committee of players including converted safety Preston Rex, freshman Journee Tonga, and DeVaughn Eka. Sitake expressed confidence in the depth of the running back room, which also includes junior Lucky Finau and freshman Logan Payne.
The matchup against Iowa State is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10, with kickoff set for 8:15 p.m. MST on ESPN. Additionally, it was announced Monday that the game against Notre Dame on Oct. 17 will be broadcast on ABC at 5:30 p.m. MST.
