BYU football notebook: Tonga excited to return in time for TCU

PROVO — Due to a knee injury, BYU running back Manase Tonga didn't play last week in the Cougars' 38-28 victory over San Diego State. Due to being academically ineligible, he wasn't part of BYU's 32-7 loss at TCU last season.

For those reasons alone, Tonga can't wait to line up against the Horned Frogs on Saturday.

"It was tough being out last week, but I'm planning on playing this week and I'm excited about that," said Tonga, who is sporting a brace on his knee.

Last year, the Horned Frog defense sacked quarterback Max Hall six times. The Cougars could have used Tonga, who is known for his outstanding blocking skills.

"My role will be the same as usual for this game, to be an extra blocker for Max and help out the run game," Tonga said. "We need to keep playing the game we know we can play. That's what we need to do to come out on top in this game."

Running back Harvey Unga is looking forward to Tonga returning to the lineup.

"It will be really nice to have a veteran guy out there," he said. "There's a presence with Manase out there. You can tell a difference in the offense. There's a lot of trust there. Not to say there's not trust in the younger backs. But Manase's one of those guys who will get the job done. He knows what he's doing. He's always ready to work."

INJURY/ILLNESS UPDATE: Wide receiver McKay Jacobson is listed as "possible to doubtful" for this week, said coach Bronco Mendenhall. Jacobson, who participated in practice Tuesday, has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury. A decision on Jacobson's status could come Thursday, the coach said.

Meanwhile, a number of Cougars are battling the flu and missed practice on Tuesday, including wide receiver O'Neill Chambers.

"About 10 guys have had the flu, or are just getting over it," Mendenhall said. "So there is a flu bug going around on our team. Most of those guys are getting back now. It hit us hard right before the San Diego State game. There are some lingering effects today. But a lot of those guys that have had it are returning."

Team trainers have taken precautionary measures to limit players' exposure to the flu as much as possible.

FIELD CONDITIONS: Through the first three home games this season, the new grass at LaVell Edwards Stadium has not held up well. Defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen has been vocal about the unsettled turf, saying it has affected some players' footing and caused them to slip.

Those less-than-ideal field conditions may remain for the rest of the season, Mendenhall said.

"I would expect it to be similar to what it's been. I'd like to say it will be markedly improved. I don't think that will be in place until a year from now but I hope it's improved from what it's been. I really haven't given much thought to that."

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com