Mack Brown delivered some (relatively) good news regarding cornerback Lejond Cavazos on Tuesday.

Cavazos suffered a lower-body injury that required surgery earlier this month, but Brown told reporters on Tuesday that he’s expected to back within 4-6 weeks.

That’s a more optimistic timeline than some in Chapel Hill initially feared:

Cavazos wasn’t expected to start for UNC this season, but he is a big part of the Tar Heels’ depth at the cornerback position behind Marcus Allen and Alijah Huzzie. It’s possible Cavazos would be the first cornerback off the bench when healthy.

The timeline Brown gave reporters on Tuesday means Cavazos could have a chance to return to action as soon as UNC’s Week 3 matchup with Minnesota on Sept. 16. If Cavazos’ injury puts his return toward the end of that timeline, he would be back for the Tar Heels’ meeting with Syracuse on Oct. 7. UNC is idle the week of Sept. 30.

Last season was Cavazos’ first campaign in Chapel Hill after transferring from Ohio State. He was credited with 18 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 2 pass deflections.

North Carolina will open the 2023 season against South Carolina on Sept. 2. in Charlotte.