LJ Martin injury update: Unfortunate news emerges on BYU RB after being taken to locker room

BYU running back LJ Martin is out for the remainder of the game after a taking a hard hit in the second quarter Saturday against Iowa State. Martin came off the field grimacing after appearing to take contact to his shoulder on the hit.

He was being tended to by trainers on the sideline before eventually going back to the locker room for more evaluation. He later emerged with his shoulder pads off, and sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy gave the unfortunate update on his status during the FOX broadcast.

“LJ Martin, you saw him leave for the locker room. I’m just being told that he had some X-Rays and he is done for the day,” she said.

It’s an awful blow for the Cougars, as Martin already had 15 yards rushing and a touchdown on five carries prior to his exit. BYU trailed 24-17 heading into halftime and will now have to overcome the deficit without one of their best offensive players.

Coming into Saturday’s contest, Martin led the Big 12 with 774 yards rushing in addition to four touchdowns. He also had 11 catches for 82 yards receiving.

BYU was already shorrthanded at running back coming into this game with Sione I Moa ruled out with injury prior to the contest. With Martin sidelined, BYU may lead more on quarterback Bear Bachmeier to shoulder the load running the ball. The Cougars are looking to avoid their first loss of the season and remain at the top of the Big 12 standings, and we’ll see whether they can manage in the second half.

What BYU coach Kalani Sitake said postgame about LJ Martin’s injury

BYU would go on to muster 103 yards rushing on the day, led by Bachmeier who had 49 along with a rushing touchdown. The QB also stepped up to throw for 307 yards and two scores to lead the Cougars to a 41-27 victory to remain undefeated.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake was asked whether there should be any concern with Martin’s status moving ahead after this week. He didn’t have a detailed update as to the severity of the injury, but expressed hope that the upcoming bye week will allow Martin the chance to be ready to take the field for the next game.

“Always a concern with guys that get hurt and can’t finish a game,” Sitake said. “…Hopefully LJ is ready to go by the time we take the field in the next couple of weeks. But I can’t tell on that right now. It is concerning that he didn’t finish, but we’ve seen guys not finish before and come back the next time. I’m gonna stay positive and be optimistic about it.”

Martin will have two weeks to rest before BYU faces No. 14 Texas Tech on Nov. 8. That will have implications in the Big 12 race, so the RB’s status will be worth monitoring this week and next.