BYU head coach Kalani Sitake shared rare positive news regarding the team's injury status during a weekly press conference on Monday, Oct. 13, 2026. The updates come as the Cougars prepare to face No. 2-ranked Notre Dame this Saturday.
Sitake announced that safety and kick returner Cannon DeVries is expected to return to the lineup. DeVries, a sophomore and Weber High product, has been sidelined since leaving a win over TCU two weeks ago with an undisclosed injury. The return of DeVries, who averages 16.4 yards per punt return and has recorded one kickoff return touchdown, is viewed as an essential component for the team's special teams execution.
Additionally, safety Raider Damuni and linebacker Isaiah Glasker have reappeared on the team's depth chart. Damuni sustained a leg injury during the opening week's 63-7 win over Utah Tech. Glasker, a former Bingham High standout, was previously removed from the depth chart following a lower-body injury sustained during the TCU game two weeks ago. Damuni is currently listed as a co-starter at safety alongside sophomore Tommy Prassas, while Glasker is listed as a co-starter at the rover position with Jake Clifton.
The head coach also provided updates on the running back position. While senior running back LJ Martin will not suit up for the upcoming game against Notre Dame, Sitake stated that Martin will likely be considered on a week-to-week basis starting with the game against Arizona State on Oct. 31.
In a significant development, Sitake noted that running back Sione Moa is back on the field and practicing. Moa, a former Timpview standout, had been facing uncertainty after sustaining torn MCL and PCL injuries during the Utah Tech game. Sitake indicated that Moa could potentially return to the lineup in the coming weeks.
For the upcoming matchup against Notre Dame and the following game against UCF on Oct. 24, BYU is expected to rely on a trio of running backs: Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, and DeVaughn Eka. This group produced 54 yards on 17 combined carries against the Cyclones last week. Sitake emphasized that while the running backs have the responsibility to make the rest of the team look good, the success of the running game requires the efforts of all ten other players on the field.
BYU's next scheduled game is against No. 2-ranked Notre Dame this Saturday.
