SALT LAKE CITY — BYU offensive lineman Tristen Hoge won’t be playing when the Cougars host Troy in their home opener Saturday night.
Hoge tested positive for COVID-19, his father Marty Hoge shared on social media, then the senior was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Deseret News BYU football beat writer Jay Drew reported he’ll be out for a few weeks, including against Troy and next Friday against Louisiana Tech.
Tristen Hoge does have a message for Cougar Nation, though.
“What’s up, Cougar Nation. First off, I just want to thank everyone for the love and wishes you sent my way. I greatly appreciate it,” he said in a video posted on his father’s Twitter account Saturday. “I know I can’t be out there tonight, but I know my boys are going to take the field and take care of business.
“That being said, I’ll be back soon enough healthier than ever and I can’t wait to get back. But first off, let’s go Cougs. Let’s beat Troy.”
BYU hosts Troy at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. MDT. The game is being televised on ESPN.
Minutes before the game, Marty Hoge shared another video, with a simple message: “Beat Troy.”