Mario Cristobal gives positive injury update on several key players

Miami coach Mario Cristobal delivered some good news regarding the Canes’ injury situation on Wednesday morning.

Cristobal identified a number of key players who are dealing with injuries, but are now expected to play vs. North Carolina this weekend.

That list includes running back Henry Parrish Jr., running back Jaylan Knighton, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive back Daryl Porter Jr. All 4 of those players practiced on Wednesday and are set to play vs. UNC, per Cristobal:

Canes HC Mario Cristobal is speaking with reporters ahead of this week's game against UNC.

He shares that Henry Parrish Jr., Jaylan Knighton, Tyrique Stevenson and Daryl Porter Jr. all practiced today and are expected to play Saturday.

— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) October 5, 2022

The news isn’t as promising for offensive tackle Zion Nelson. Cristobal told reporters earlier in the week that Nelson didn’t play vs. Middle Tennessee due to a setback in his recovery from offseason knee surgery.

Nelson, who did play vs. Texas A&M back in September, is a game-time decision vs. North Carolina this week.

Mario Cristobal said offensive tackle Zion Nelson will be a game-time decision on Saturday.

Nelson missed the season opener, then played two games before sitting out the loss to MTSU on Sept. 24. He had off-season knee surgery.

— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) October 5, 2022

Miami is a favorite over North Carolina this week. The winner of this game will be in the driver’s seat to win the Coastal division title.

Kickoff is at 4 p.m. ET.