BYU football's depth at running back has taken a hit.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Cougars running back LJ Martin is expected to be sidelined for at least a month with a lower-body injury that he sustained in BYU's narrow 17-10 road win over TCU last week.
Martin's sideline will include Friday's Big 12 home matchup against Iowa State, and then the Cougars' Week 8 showdown against No. 3 Notre Dame. The Cougars are on bye in Week 7.
BYU had already listed Martin as "out" for Friday's game vs. Iowa State in Tuesday's initial Big 12 player availability report.
"We’re still evaluating … and will probably get more information," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said
on Monday during a media availability about Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker's status for Friday's game vs. Iowa State. "Right now, it looks doubtful for both of them."
Martin exited the game vs. TCU in the first half last week after just 16 rushing yards on two carries. As noted by CBS Sports,with 4:40 left in the first quarter against the Horned Frogs, Martin was taken down awkwardly on the field with a tackle, leading him to jog off the field with a slight limp.
LJ Martin injury update
Sitake did not provide further updates on Martin, with his injury being referred to as lower body.
The loss of Martin is a big blow to the Cougars' offense. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season, Martin leads all BYU players with 344 rushing yards and is second in rushing touchdowns with three.
BYU is set to host Iowa State at 10:15 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LJ Martin injury update: BYU RB expected to miss a month, out vs. Iowa State
