Austin Boyd is recovering from an ankle injury ahead of the schedule UNLV’s medical staff expected, but Dan Mullen has not set a return date. The offensive lineman remains out as the Rebels prepare to visit Air Force.
Mullen said Monday that the medical staff has been encouraged by Boyd’s progress since he suffered the injury against Memphis. Boyd has missed UNLV’s recent games, including Saturday’s 13-7 victory over North Dakota State, and his absence has required the Rebels to continue working through their offensive-line depth.
“They keep telling me he’s ahead of schedule, which is a really good thing,” Mullen said.
Asked whether Boyd remained on track for the bye week, Mullen expressed optimism without committing to a specific return. “That’s certainly not something I’m gonna push, to push him back on the field until I know he’s gonna be a hundred percent ready to help the team,” he said.
Mullen also clarified the status of senior running back Jaylon Glover, who has been missing from the regular rotation. “Yeah, he’s back,” Mullen said.
According to Mullen, Glover was available against North Dakota State. His limited role reflected the way the game unfolded, the performance of other backs and the repetitions they had gained while he was out. Mullen did not announce a new distribution of carries for Air Force.
Boyd is a 6-foot-4, 305-pound senior from Lehi, Utah. His return would give UNLV another experienced offensive-line option, but Mullen has not said how quickly he would resume a full role.
UNLV rushed for 178 yards against North Dakota State, with Jai’Den Thomas gaining 112 yards on 22 carries and Jackson Arnold adding 60 yards on 19 attempts. The Rebels finished with 77 passing yards and did not score an offensive touchdown, although running the ball helped protect a narrow second-half lead.
Mullen said North Dakota State had used softer coverage to limit explosive passing opportunities, prompting UNLV to emphasize the run.
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