BYU loses top RB for weeks after tough injury update
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BYU will be without starting running back LJ Martin for the next four to six weeks after the senior suffered a lower-body injury during the first half of the Cougars’ 17-10 win over TCU in Week 5. The injury is expected to keep Martin out for at least a month and puts his availability for several crucial games in doubt.
Martin has recorded 44 rushing attempts for 344 yards and three touchdowns through the opening five games of the season. He has also contributed five receptions for 41 yards. His absence removes a centerpiece from a BYU offense that has relied heavily on its running game.
The injury comes less than a year after Martin produced 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 236 carries. He was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and helped the Cougars reach the conference championship game. BYU entered this season as the highest-ranked Big 12 team through five weeks and are ranked No. 8.
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Martin is expected to miss Friday’s matchup with Iowa State, the Oct. 17 home game against No. 3 Notre Dame, a road contest at UCF and a meeting with Arizona State. His recovery timeline could also keep him out versus Utah on Nov. 7 and potentially Baylor.
The Cougars will turn to their remaining running backs to fill the workload. Preston Rex has 18 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns this season, while freshman Journee Tonga has racked up 157 yards and one touchdown on 19 attempts. He currently owns the team’s highest yards-per-carry average and rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries against Colorado State on Sept. 19. Devaughn Eka has added 87 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier could also become a larger part of the rushing attack. Against the Horned, he carried 15 times for 66 yards while completing 11 of 24 passes for 62 yards. Bachmeier had only 12 rushing attempts across BYU’s first three games.
The Cougars have won their last four games without Martin, but his absence creates an immediate challenge.
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