After missing BYU’s last game for decidedly different reasons, two of the Cougars’ top playmakers on the offensive side of the ball are set for a return.
Running back Jamaal Williams (pictured) suffered a concussion and severe stinger following a scary collision during a Sept. 21 game against Utah and did not play against Middle Tennessee State last Saturday. Williams has returned to practice and, barring a setback, “should be good to go” for Friday night’s in-state rivalry game against Utah State.
Despite missing the Week 5 game, Williams leads all Cougars running backs with 378 yards.
Wide receiver Cody Hoffman has been bothered by a hamstring issue that began in summer camp and kept him out of the opener, although it was a suspension that kept him out of the MTSU game. Not only will Hoffman return from that punitive measure, he says "[t]his is as healthy as I’ve been since I first tweaked my hammy.”
Even as Hoffman’s missed a pair of games, he still leads BYU in receptions (10) and receiving yards (171). Hoffman remains nine receptions, 367 receiving yards and three touchdowns away from becoming BYU’s all-time leader in each category.
The Cougars will still be without starting linebacker Spencer Hadley, who has served two games of a five-game suspension.