Connor Pay injury: BYU center offers insight on availability

Center Connor Pay was injured in BYU's 34-28 victory over Baylor on Saturday. The fifth-year senior has been an integral part of the offense that has helped the Cougars become the No. 17-ranked team in the AP Top 25 poll. Without him, they will need to get more standout performances from other offensive line members.

Fortunately for BYU (5-0, 2-0 Big 12), Pay is optimistic that he will return this season. He discussed the injury and the possible timeline for his return during an interview with KSL Sports Zone's Jeremiah Jenson and Alex Kirry on "JJ & Alex" on Monday.

"Kind of unfortunate, the first play of our second series of the game, I was doing a zone combo block that I've done a million times," Pay said. "Unfortunately, planted tried to put force through my foot, and it popped on me a little bit. So, unfortunately, I fractured my foot."

Although a foot fracture is significant, it is not too severe that Pay could not return this season. Pay added when he hopes to return.

"I'll have surgery this week. they'll put a screw in it. And a six-week timetable is the goal. Looking at the Utah game for a return."

If his recovery timetable is accurate, Pay will return for one of BYU's biggest rivalry games. The Cougars will travel to face Utah (4-1, 1-1) in Salt Lake City on Nov. 9.

The Cougars have two open weeks during Connor Pay's recovery as his team will not have games in Week 6 and Week 10. So, Pay could only miss three games over that span.

How does Connor Pay's absence affect the BUY offensive line?

With Connor Pay out for at least the next three games, the Cougars will be without the center who has started 38 games throughout his career with the team. He has been a steady presence, and his absence will be felt.

Connor Pay has the sixth-highest pass-blocking rating in college football. Ahead of last week's game, BYU's offensive line coach TJ Woods was asked about his impact.

"He's as smart of a football player as I've ever coached," Woods said via KSL Sports. "He's like having a coach out on the field, which is huge."

Redshirt sophomore Sonny Makasini replaced Pay after he got injured. He is expected to start for the Cougars while Pay recovers from his foot fracture.