BYU running back LJ Martin is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks while managing an ankle injury, according to an injury report from Covers. The absence of the senior playmaker comes as the Cougars deal with a mounting list of injuries across the roster.
Impact on the Running Game
The injury to Martin, a senior from Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, marks a significant blow to the Cougars' offensive unit. While the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, the projected four to six week window suggests his impact will be felt through the upcoming stretch of the season.
Martin, who wears jersey number 4, is a key component of the BYU offense. His absence leaves the coaching staff with the task of restructuring the running game to maintain the momentum of a team currently ranked second in the Big 12 with a 4-0 record.
Other Notable Injuries
The injury report from Covers, updated as of Wednesday, Oct. 7, also highlights several other players currently sidelined or facing availability issues. The roster's depth is being tested as multiple starters and key contributors deal with various ailments.
In addition to Martin, the Cougars are managing several other injuries that affect both sides of the ball. Offensive lineman Andrew Gentry and linebacker Siale Esera were both reported as out with undisclosed injuries on Thursday, Oct. 1. Gentry's absence is expected to impact the offensive line during the upcoming matchup against the Frogs on Saturday.
Defensive and Special Teams Absences
The defensive unit is also navigating personnel changes. Linebacker Siale Esera is expected to miss the upcoming game against the Frogs due to an undisclosed injury. Additionally, safety Raider Damuni has been out of commission since Monday, Sept. 7, due to a lower body injury that is expected to keep him out for an extended period.
Kicker Brody Laga is also listed as questionable due to an undisclosed injury. According to the report from Oct. 1, Laga will not be available for the Saturday game against the Horned-frogs.
Tight End Availability
The offensive depth chart shows further complications for the Cougars' special teams and offensive line. Tight end Reginald Saleapaga II was listed as questionable as of Sunday, Sept. 20, with an undisclosed injury, and it remained uncertain if he would participate in the game on Friday, Oct. 2.
Similarly, tight end Jacob Nye was also listed as questionable on Sept. 20 due to an undisclosed injury, with his availability for the Oct. 2 matchup against the Frogs remaining unestablished at that time.
Roster Depth Challenges
The Cougars' running back rotation faces further challenges with Sione Moa also listed as out with an undisclosed injury. Like Martin, there is currently no established timetable for Moa's return to the lineup.
As the team continues its 2026 campaign, the coaching staff must navigate these roster fluctuations to maintain their standing in the Big 12. The current 4-0 record places the Cougars in a strong position, but the cumulative effect of these injuries remains a primary concern for the team's offensive and defensive continuity.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the BYU coaching staff will need to rely on the remaining depth to compensate for the loss of key players like Martin, Gentry, and Esera. The ability to adjust the offensive and defensive schemes around these injuries will be critical for the Cougars as they face upcoming opponents.
Roster Overview
The BYU football roster for 2026 includes a variety of players across all positions. The team features several notable players, including quarterbacks Bear Bachmeier and Treyson Bourguet, and various defensive standouts such as Tausili Akana and Kenilau Fonohema.
With the current injury landscape, the team's performance in the Big 12 will depend heavily on how the remaining roster members step into expanded roles to fill the gaps left by injured starters.
