Latest On BYU WRs Puka Nacua, Gunner Romney Entering Baylor Game
Sep 7, 2022, 8:35 PM
The latest news on BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua entering the Cougars game against No. 9 Baylor. (Robert W. Grover for the Deseret News)
(Robert W. Grover for the Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – One of the big questions for No. 21 BYU football entering Saturday night’s tilt against Baylor is the availability of wide receivers Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney.
No new update on #BYU WR Puka Nacua and Gunner Romney from OC Aaron Roderick.
Game time decisions for Saturday against Baylor.#BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/NsF7nSikbd
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 7, 2022
Earlier in the week, BYU coach Kalani Sitake was asked for an update on BYU’s banged-up receivers. Sitake said he and the coordinators would have a better idea of their availability on Wednesday.
After Wednesday’s practice, a day designated for BYU’s offensive coaches and players to talk to the media, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick spoke to the media. KSL Sports asked Roderick if Nacua or Romney would play on Saturday or if they’ve been practicing.
“I wouldn’t tell you if I knew. But I don’t know yet. Probably will be a game-time decision,” Roderick said.
Puka Nacua had a two-touchdown performance last week
Last week, Nacua, who entered the game dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, showed the type of impact he can have on a game. On BYU’s first offensive snap of the season, he took a jet sweep 75 yards for a touchdown.
Puka Nacua: Playmaker 🤙 @AsapPuka #BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/KEOkMGFFG5
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 6, 2022
Nacua finished with two touchdown runs in BYU’s 50-21 victory over USF before exiting the game with a lower-body injury that saw him leave Raymond James Stadium on crutches with a boot on his right foot.
Gunner Romney is waiting on the “green light”
Gunner Romney missed last week’s game due to an undisclosed injury. As a result, the fifth-year senior didn’t make the trip to Tampa. Instead, he watched BYU’s blowout victory with his brother and former BYU QB Baylor Romney.
During his weekly interview with the KSL Sports Zone, Romney said he is waiting on a “green light” to be cleared to play.
“It’s a weird thing because I actually feel really good. But, you know, it’s kind of a week-by-week thing where it’s really up to the doctors and trainers to clear me,” said Romney to the KSL Sports Zone. “I’ve been running around, been feeling pretty much 100%. But, it’s just a matter of taking care of my health and putting my health first. And so, it’s kind of a frustrating thing but hopefully, I’m ready for this week. I’m preparing like I’m going to play. I’ve just got to get that green light.”
No. 21 BYU vs. No. 9 Baylor
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium
TV: ESPN
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM – Pregame begins at 6 p.m.)
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
