Provo • Turns out, the so-called "mild concussion" that BYU receiver Ross Apo suffered against Central Florida, causing him to miss the rest of the 24-17 win over the Knights, was really just that a mild concussion.
That means Apo, who leads the Cougars with three touchdown receptions, will likely play against Utah State on Friday (6 p.m., ESPN) at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
"We were debating in the game whether to let him go back in or not because he was answering all the questions correctly," BYU athletic trainer Kevin Morris said after Tuesday's practice. "I just felt like it was better to hold him out."
Apo will participate in noncontact portions of practice Wednesday, and "if he looks good there, he will be good for the game," Morris said. "It would be safe to say he's a game-day decision. But he's on track."
As for BYU's other injured players, linebacker Jordan Pendleton (ankle) has "turned the corner and is probably a game-day decision" for Friday, Morris said.
Offensive lineman Houston Reynolds (foot pain) hasn't practiced this week but will be closely evaluated Wednesday as well. He's also a game-time decision.
Linebacker Uona Kaveinga missed most of practice with turf toe but is expected to play, Morris said.
Putnam returns to team
Defensive end Matt Putnam is back practicing with the team, having been cleared academically by the university after missing preseason camp due to schoolwork deficiencies. However, the NCAA still has not cleared Putnam to compete in games.
"I don't know when, or if, the appeal will ever happen to where he might be competition-eligible for this season," coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "But he felt really strongly that he would like to finish his senior year helping any way that he could."
Briefly
The Cougars stay at home after Friday's game against Utah State and host San Jose State on Oct. 8 at LaVell Edwards Stadium. This is the first time since 1991, when it hosted Air Force, USU, UTEP and Hawaii, that BYU has played four straight home games. … BYU's defense has forced nine turnovers this season in four games, after recording just 23 takeaways in 2010. BYU is 18th in the country in takeaways.
drew@sltrib.com
Twitter: @drewjay