The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Brigham Young University Cougars. After a hard-fought road win against Iowa State, BYU’s focus now turns to recovery and preparation before their crucial November 8 matchup against the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders.

At the top of head coach Kalani Sitake’s to-do list: getting star running back LJ Martin back to full health. Martin, currently the Big 12’s leading rusher, appeared to injure his shoulder during the first half of the Cyclones game. His status remains uncertain heading into the next contest.

“We’re still evaluating it,” Sitake said during his Monday media availability. “We’ll take some time to evaluate and see where he’s going to be at. I can’t give you the answer yet.” The coach added that it was too soon to determine the severity of the injury just days after the game.

The Cougars, now ranked No. 10, have used the bye week to regroup and adjust their depth at running back. Sitake said the team is “considering everything,” including potential position changes, to ensure the offense maintains its balance if Martin can’t play. “This is the time to work on it and give them extra reps with the bye coming up,” he said. “We feel good about our running back group. We’re just going to have to see how they take to the reps they’re going to get.”

Martin has been a cornerstone of BYU’s offense this season, leading the Big 12 in rushing yards while providing consistency and explosiveness in key moments. His absence, even for one game, could force the Cougars to rely more heavily on their passing attack and younger backs waiting for their opportunity.

With Texas Tech’s high-powered offense waiting after the break, the Cougars are hoping Martin’s recovery progresses quickly. The extra week gives BYU time to adjust — but all eyes remain on whether their top playmaker will be ready to take the field in Lubbock.