Injury Update On BYU WR Neil Pau’u Heading Into Georgia Southern Game
Nov 8, 2021, 1:44 PM
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Neil Pau'u (2) makes a catch as he falls out of bounds as BYU and Utah play an NCAA football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. BYU won 26-17, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Utes.
(2)
PROVO, Utah – BYU football had an easy sailing day in a 59-14 win over Idaho State, but there was a setback, an injury to Neil Pau’u.
Pau’u appeared to twist his ankle on his way to a touchdown that put BYU up 42-7 before the end of the first half. He immediately entered BYU’s medical tent on the sidelines after limping his way off the field.
#BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said WR Neil Pau'u is "very doubtful" for the Georgia Southern game.#BYUFootball @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 8, 2021
On Monday, BYU football coaches updated Pau’u’s status going forward for the Georgia Southern game. According to head coach Kalani Sitake, it’s “very doubtful” the COVID-Junior is playing in Statesboro, Georgia, when the Cougars take on the 2-7 Eagles on November 20.
“I can’t confirm that,” Sitake said when asked if Pau’u’s injury would be season-ending. “Doesn’t look good for Georgia Southern. Today and tomorrow are when we will get more information. … Very doubtful for Georgia Southern and then we’ll see if we can confirm how long the length of the injury will be.”
Neil Pau'u is limping on his way back to the sideline. He's now entered the medical tent. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2021
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shared a similar sentiment on Pau’u during the weekly Coordinators’ Coordinator program.
“I don’t have the final news on that yet, but it doesn’t look good,” said Roderick.
It’s not on me it’s in me 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/vtHeynBTAZ
— neil_pauu#8 (@pauuneil) May 7, 2021
Pau’u was honored on Saturday in pregame as part of BYU’s Senior Day festivities. He could still move on or return for another year to play at BYU as last season’s free year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic giving him a chance to return in 2022. Kalani Sitake has expressed that the door is open for players to return.
Pau’u leads the team in receptions with 46 catches through 10 games played. He’s racked up 526 yards for six touchdowns this season. In four seasons at BYU, Pau’u has recorded 123 receptions for 1,484 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
