Mario Cristobal gives positive injury updates on 3 key players ahead of Texas A&M game

Miami is trending towards being fully healthy for its primetime showdown with Texas A&M on Saturday night.

Three starters have been dealing with minor injuries to start the season: left tackle Zion Nelson, running back Jaylan Knighton and defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.

According to coach Mario Cristobal, Miami expects to have all three of those players at “full speed” against the Aggies in Week 3.

Miami Hurricanes health updates: Mario Cristobal said LT Zion Nelson and RB Jaylan Knighton took 100 percent of the reps in practice this week and are full speed for Texas A&M. DE Akheem Mesidor "looked good" in practice and he expects a full speed player on Saturday.

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) September 14, 2022

Nelson has been recovering from offseason knee surgery. He played limited snaps in Miami’s 30-7 win over Southern Miss in Week 2. When healthy, he’s one of the most formidable left tackles in the ACC.

Knighton suffered a soft tissue injury near the end of fall camp and has been limited to start the year. Once he returns, he’s expected to share playing time with Ole Miss transfer Henry Parrish Jr., who is off to a great start in 2022.

Mesidor made a big impact in Miami’s Week 1 win over Bethune-Cookman, but did not play vs. Southern Miss. He’s perhaps Miami’s most talented pass rusher, however, so having him healthy vs. Texas A&M will be critical.

Miami and Texas A&M kickoff at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday night.