BYU football coach Kalani Sitake shared updates regarding team injuries during a Monday press conference. The updates included the potential return of tailback LJ Martin and the likely absence of several other key players.
LJ Martin is a possibility to return for the game against Arizona State this Saturday. Martin suffered a lower leg injury during a 17-10 win over TCU and has not played since. Coaches previously outlined a four-to-six week recovery period for the senior tailback, and Saturday marks the fourth week since the injury. Sitake stated that Martin is getting close and looking better in training.
The Cougar offense may see a return of a fully-stocked backfield if Sione Moa plays. Moa returned to action during a game against UCF last week, where he recorded 36 yards on 13 carries while working to return to form after a substantial lower leg injury suffered against Utah Tech on September 5, 2026.
Other injury updates include cornerback Evan Johnson, who is unlikely to play this weekend following an ankle injury sustained during a two-point conversion against UCF. While Johnson is expected to miss at least one week, Sitake noted there is a high probability he will return at some point this season. Additionally, offensive lineman Trevin Ostler is likely finished with his BYU career after sustaining an injury during the second half of the game against UCF.
The BYU coaching staff is also focused on improving team tackling in preparation for the Arizona State game. Sitake noted that the team struggled with tackling during the loss to UCF last week and emphasized the importance of maintaining leverage and keeping feet on the field rather than launching at ball-carriers.
The BYU game against Utah is scheduled to kickoff at 10 a.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN or ABC at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
