BYU Running Back LJ Martin Sidelined by Injury, Freshman Tonga to See Increased Role
No. 8 BYU's star running back LJ Martin is out for 4-6 weeks due to an injury, prompting other running backs, notably freshman Journee Tonga, to step into larger roles for the Cougars.
Salt Lake City, UT, October 8, 2026 — The BYU Cougars football team will be without the services of their star running back, LJ Martin, for an estimated four to six weeks. Martin, who wears jersey number 8 for the Cougars, sustained an injury that will keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming schedule.
The absence of Martin, a key player in the Cougars’ offensive scheme, is expected to create opportunities for other players in the running back rotation. Among those anticipated to see an increased workload is freshman Journee Tonga.
The specific nature of Martin’s injury has not been disclosed. The duration of his recovery, reported as 4-6 weeks, suggests a moderate injury that requires a substantial healing period. This timeline means Martin will miss several games, the details of which were not provided in the summary.
Journee Tonga, a freshman, will now be looked upon to contribute more significantly to the team’s rushing attack. The extent of Tonga’s previous involvement and his readiness to handle a larger role are points of focus as the team navigates Martin’s absence.
Story summarized from the original created by Jay Drew on www.deseret.com, see more information here.
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