BYU football: Lineman Reynolds has hand surgery

PROVO — By Thursday morning, BYU left tackle Matt Reynolds, the man charged with protecting quarterback Max Hall's blindside, was undergoing surgery on his broken left hand.

The surgery was successful, said coach Bronco Mendenhall, explaining that doctors used a plate and three screws to repair the hand, which was injured during Wednesday's practice. Reynolds is expected to be out two to three weeks.

"There's a good chance he could be back for the opener (against Oklahoma on Sept. 5)," Mendenhall said after Thursday's practice, adding that Reynolds likely will be fitted with what the coach described as "a rubberized splint."

Though Reynolds is the only returning starter on the Cougars' offensive line, O-line coach Mark Weber expects Reynolds to be back in action soon.

"Once they fix it and it heals up, (offensive linemen) really can play with (a broken hand)," he said. "It's not as big as a concern, obviously, as somebody that touches the ball or tackles. As an offensive lineman, you can play with that sort of thing."

Hall is hoping for Reynolds' speedy recovery.

"That's unfortunate because Matt has come a long way since the summer," he said. "He's a big, strong, tough guy and I like him. Hopefully he can heal that up as soon as possible and get out onto the field as soon as he can."

While the Cougars wait for Reynolds' return, they are looking to establish depth along the line. Taking reps with the first team at left tackle is 6-foot-6, 286-pound freshman Braden Hansen, an Alta High product who served a mission in Philadelphia.

"Matt is a very good player who is going to be a great player. To find a bright spot in it, now some guys get some more reps," Weber said. "Now we're seeing Braden Hansen come in and getting valuable reps and showing very good improvement. I'm really comfortable with him. Of course, you always want to play with your most experienced and talented guy. But I, and the whole coaching staff, is comfortable with Braden Hansen being out there, whether it be left tackle or right tackle."

Mendenhall liked what he saw from Hansen on Thursday.

"Braden is doing a really nice job," he said. "He'll get a ton of work."

Hansen was concerned about Reynolds and hopes he's able to return soon.