FORT COLLINS, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 19: LJ Martin #4 of the BYU Cougars runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Canvas Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images) | Getty Images Robby McCombs · SB Nation Thu, November 5, 2026 at 4:06 AM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BYU star running back's status for the Utah game this Saturday is one of the main storylines for the game. After Martin suffered a leg injury early in the TCU game October 3, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that LJ Martin would be out 4-6 weeks.
Five weeks later, Thamel reported Wednesday night that Martin is cleared to practice and is "questionable" to return. From Thamel: "Sources: BYU star tailback LJ Martin is considered questionable to return Saturday against No. 3 Utah. He's cleared to practice and has been available this week. If he's back, he's not expected to be 100-percent and could be limited. He's trending to dress, be available and have some impact on the game. A final decision will be made later in the week. Martin has been out since Oct. 3, and BYU beat Notre Dame without him in the line-up. He's the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year."
BYU released its initial availability report Wednesday, and Martin is listed as doubtful. Cornerback Evan Johnson, who missed the Arizona State game, and Tight End Roger Saleapaga are also listed as doubtful.
BYU will have RB Preston Rex back, who missed the Arizona State game, but getting LJ back in some capacity versus Utah would certainly helped. BYU's running back room has struggled since LJ went down, and even a limited LJ would give the running game some extra juice and put little less pressure on Bear in both the run and pass game.
Source: Sports
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