Injury Update On BYU WR Gunner Romney Heading Into Utah Game

PROVO, Utah – During the first quarter of the BYU football win over Arizona, star wide receiver Gunner Romney suffered an injury. Romney, who is approaching this year as his senior season and is a co-captain in 2021, limped off the field early in the 24-16 win in Las Vegas.

Later in the night, he was on crutches and didn’t return to any action.

#BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake said wide receiver Gunner Romney is not out for the year. Noted he's "doubtful" for the Utah game.#BYUFootball #GoCougs

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 6, 2021

Now BYU turns the page towards facing the nationally-ranked Utah Utes in their home opener. Romney, as of Monday, is unlikely to play in the return of the rivalry game.

“The good news is that [Gunner]’s not out for the year. So we’ll see how he goes day-to-day,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “Over the weekend has been tough on him. Doubtful for the [Utah] game, but never know what can happen in the next four to five days. So we’ll see what happens.”

Romney didn’t record any stats in BYU’s Vegas Classic victory over the Wildcats. He started in the game and had two targets from quarterback Jaren Hall before going with the injury.

BYU Football wide receiver room if Romney’s out

In replace of Romney is Chris Jackson. Jackson and Keanu Hill, who replaced Puka Nacua, were praised by offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick for replacing those players on a moment’s notice.

Nice pass from Jaren Hall on 4th & 5 to Chris Jackson.

Jackson had a nice fall camp. He's getting more run tonight now that Gunner Romney is banged up.#BYUvsAZ #BYUFootball @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 5, 2021

While Romney was out against Arizona, Neil Pau’u stepped up in a big way. Pau’u had eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Pau’u earned offensive player of the week honors for his play against the Wildcats.

Offensive Player of the Game from the Arizona win for Aaron Roderick: Neil Pau'u.

"I was really impressed. I'm not surprised that he played this way. I thought he was one of our more underrated players, he had a great season. And he had a great camp."#BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 6, 2021

BYU might get wide receiver Puka Nacua and Samson Nacua back this week. Sitake said on Saturday in Vegas that he “feels really good” about the Nacua brothers playing against Utah.

Utah will pose the toughest challenge the Cougars have seen to date this season. During his weekly Coordinators’ Corner appearance, Roderick pointed out that Utah might have the best defense they will face since the last time they took on Utah in 2019.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.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.