BYU football: DB Scott Johnson out for 3 games

PROVO — An already tough situation just got tougher for BYU's struggling defensive secondary.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Monday that starting cornerback Scott Johnson will miss the next three games — the remainder of the regular season — with a double groin tear suffered during the Cougars' 45-42 win at Colorado State.

"He was on his back and both knees were kind of out and one (CSU) player hit this way and one (CSU) player hit that way," Mendenhall explained. "Both (groins) were torn, one on each side. I don't know if we could reconstruct that if he were to play 10 more years ... If you see it on film, it's one of those you don't really like to watch."

Johnson could return to action in time for a bowl game, depending on when it is, according to Mendenhall.

Junior Andrew Rich could take Johnson's place at boundary corner, which is similar to the safety position, Mendenhall said. Rich made his first career start last week at safety for an injured David Tafuna, who should be ready for this week's game against San Diego State.

Addressing Johnson's impact on the secondary, Mendenhall said Johnson is a player that has demonstrated "grit and determination." Rich has shown similar qualities, the coach added. "Maybe a similar type of person in a little bit different body.

"Certainly, we'll miss Scott. I hate to see anybody get hurt the way he was hurt ... He's one that I think will do everything he can to support our team while he is sidelined. I think he'll still have an impact that way."

Another cornerback, Brandon Bradley, sustained a shin contusion against CSU, but he is expected to play Saturday.

Mendenhall added that there's a possibility that Tafuna and Kellen Fowler could also play at boundary corner while there are other options he and his staff will consider. Third-string safety Steven Thomas was switched to cornerback last week after G Pittman's decision to transfer. Due to injuries, Thomas played late in the CSU game.

Certainly, Johnson's presence with the Cougar defense will be missed.

"It's a big loss for us. Scott was our lock-down corner," said linebacker David Nixon. "He was having a great year. But we're going to have to move guys around, make adjustments and go from there."