Martin Doubtful for BYU’s Utah Matchup

BYU’s initial availability update on November 4 listed running back LJ Martin as doubtful for the Cougars’ November 7 game against Utah in Salt Lake City. Martin returned to practice on Tuesday, but if he plays, he may be limited. He last appeared in a game in early October against TCU. A final decision on his status is expected later this week.

If Martin is unavailable, BYU could turn to Preston Rex, who missed the team’s game against Arizona State after a breakout performance against Notre Dame and an injury against UCF. Martin’s return would give BYU its full group of running backs for the first time since the season opener.

Tight end Roger Saleapaga and cornerback Evan Johnson were also listed as doubtful. Johnson missed last weekend’s game after an ankle injury against UCF; Saleapaga left the Arizona State game with an injury. If Johnson cannot play, Jayven Williams and Therrian Alexander III are options at cornerback. BYU may also need to settle on its nickel personnel. Cannon DeVries played 14 defensive snaps against Arizona State, while freshman safety Kennan Pula played 24.

Cornerbacks Jonathan Kabeya and Seth Shigg, linebacker Pierson Watson and defensive end Vincent Tautua were listed as out. Safety Joseph Douglas and defensive ends Kendall Wall and Siosefa Brown were questionable. Kicker Brody Laga was probable. The final availability update is scheduled for 90 minutes before kickoff on November 7.