Official: BYU TE Matt Bushman suffers season-ending injury

BYU suffered a huge blow to its 2020 offense as senior tight end Matt Bushman suffered a season-ending injury in Monday’s practice. It is believed to be an achilles injury.

Official BYU statement: “BYU senior tight end Matt Bushman suffered a season-ending injury in practice Monday and will miss the 2020 football season.”

Matt Bushman is BYU’s best offensive weapon and has led BYU in receiving in each of his three seasons. Bushman had his best year last season, finishing with 47 receptions for 688 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bushman likely would have been a NFL draft pick had he left after his junior season but he ultimately decided to return to BYU.

If it is indeed a torn/ruptured achilles, Bushman could be back in time for next season at BYU or the NFL. Tanner Mangum suffered a ruptured achilles during the 2017 season and returned for fall camp in 2018 9 months later.

Bushman could return next year, but he will probably elect to go to the NFL since he is older for a prospect and to avoid further injury.

With Bushman gone, Isaac Rex will likely be tight end #1. At 6’6”, 247 pounds Rex has good upside and is slightly bigger than Bushman, but he obviously does not have the experience. Other tight ends to watch include Carter Wheat and Bentley Hanshaw.

Here’s to a speedy and full recovery for Matt!