BYU Running Back LJ Martin Shut Down Against Baylor 'Out of Caution', Per Kalani Sitake

The BYU Cougars picked up a key 28-7 win over the Baylor Bears on Saturday night. But it came at a cost, with the top two running backs going out with injuries. Both LJ Martin and Sione Moa were hurt and did not return at different points of the contest. This isn't good news for BYU, who was without Martin for a month with an ankle injury.

However, Kalani Sitake provided a positive update after the game. Martin could've gone back into the game against Baylor, but was kept on the sideline over an abundance of caution. Martin looked good with six carries for 49 yards in the first half of the game.

What's still concerning is BYU coaches said he was still not fully healthy after the Holy War against Utah last week. But seeing that Martin's stats were back up to his level was a good sign for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. His leg was stepped on in the first half.

"We can't ask too much of him. We shut him down," Sitake said.

Sitake also added if Martin could have returned. He said they wanted to be cautious and have him ready for next week against Kansas, along with the rest of the season.

Martin has 412 yards and four touchdowns in six games this season. This is nowhere near his totals from last season. He put up his first 1,000-yard season with 12 touchdowns. Being able to have Martin fully healthy will be critical for BYU's offense as they move on to the postseason. Bear Bachmeier was once again a force in the ground game for the Cougars and will be called upon to make it happen in the final two games of the regular season. But he can't be the only spark week in and week out.

As for Moa's injury, that's a bit more of an unknown. The Cougars' backup rusher left the game and immediately went into the medical tent on the sideline. Sitake said that the team needs to evaluate his injury to know the full extent before determining if he would be available. Moa walked off on his own power after being looked at by trainers on the field.

If Martin and Moa are out, this leaves Preston Rex as the "next man up" for BYU. He ended the game against Baylor with nine carries for 28 yards.

No. 10 BYU hits the road to play Kansas next Saturday. Game time and TV have yet to be determined.