Cougars glad to have Buchanan back in pads again

PROVO — He has missed nearly half the football season, but Bronco Mendenhall says corner Kayle Buchanan is a valuable player who is needed by BYU's defense when and if he can get back on the field following a hamstring injury.

Buchanan tweaked a hamstring muscle during two-a-days and then tore the muscle trying to come back too early in August. The 6-foot-1 sophomore with 4.41 speed in the 40 was slated to start opposite senior Nate Soelberg on preseason depth charts.

Buchanan returned to the practice field this week, working out at full speed Monday through today. Mendenhall said his progress will determine his time. Buchanan said he is more than 80 percent but improving every day.

Mendenhall said after today's practice, he will know if Buchanan can fit into the rotation.

"That is still to be decided," Mendenhall said. "Kayle practiced (Tuesday) and we'll assess how he looks (Wednesday) and today to determine his readiness in both assignments, confidence and making plays. That will determine what the rotation is, how much he'll play and what role he'll have.

"It's good to have him back. He gives us size, athleticism and another corner who can play. We've moved two wide receivers to that position recently just so we can practice and develop them, and hopefully they can contribute also. We've been very thin at that position, both in terms of depth and playmakers, as has been manifest through five games. We think Kayle gives us both of those, and we're anxious for him to have a chance to prove that."

TAHI RETURNS: Mendenhall said suspended senior running back Fahu Tahi will return this week.

"You'll see Fahu back," he said. "He was back in good standing on Monday. As I commented before, he made a mistake and he was accountable for it like all of our players will be, regardless of how important the game is, regardless of whether they're a starter or anything else. That was consistent and has been with our program from the beginning."

INJURY UPDATE: Other than linebacker Aaron Wagner, gone for the season, BYU is healthy except for lineman Vince Feula, who is questionable, Mendenhall said. "There aren't many new injuries other than Aaron Wagner. We have players coming back, but Aaron Wagner suffered an ACL injury and it looks like he'll be lost for the season. Vince Feula is day-to-day still, and I'm not sure if he'll play."