Miami coach Mario Cristobal confirmed Monday that four defensive players who missed time earlier this season will return for Saturday's rivalry game against Florida State.
Cristobal made the announcement during his weekly appearance on WQAM's "The Joe Rose Show," saying edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot, cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and Damari Brown, and linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. are available after using the open week to recover.
The Hurricanes enter the matchup at 5-0 and ranked No. 3, while Florida State is 3-3.
Marquise Lightfoot and Xavier Lucas cleared for play
Lightfoot, who leads Miami with five sacks, left midway through the Hurricanes' 41-13 win at Clemson on Oct. 3 and did not return.
Cristobal said Lightfoot is "all the way back" and ready to rejoin a defensive line that has been great this season.
Lucas has not played since the season-opening 45-6 win at Stanford on Sept. 4. Cristobal indicated the plan had long been for Lucas to return after the bye, and the cornerback is ready to go.
Damari Brown and Ezekiel Marcelin also expected to be back
Brown played through an injury early in the season because of cornerback depth issues and has seen limited snaps in recent weeks, but Cristobal said Brown is healthy and available.
Marcelin, who was approaching a larger role before suffering a lower-body injury against Wake Forest on Sept. 18, is also returning. The linebacker has recorded 10 tackles in limited action this season.
Bryce Fitzgerald's role remains flexible
The returns allow defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman additional flexibility with Bryce Fitzgerald, who has started at cornerback in recent games. Cristobal said Fitzgerald can play anywhere, including nickel or safety, and that moving him to safety remains an option on certain downs.
Omar Thornton has handled nickel duties and produced some positive plays, though Cristobal noted the position has also seen negative moments.
Buchanan remains out and other pieces stay sidelined
While the four defensive players are returning, starting right guard Max Buchanan will miss the Florida State game and is expected to be out for an extended period after leaving the Clemson game. Cristobal said he remains hopeful Buchanan can return later in the season.
Cornerback Ja'Boree Antoine is also not expected to play Saturday and is closer to a potential return around the Notre Dame game on Nov. 7. Starting cornerback OJ Frederique also has been out since the opening drive of the Stanford game and remains unavailable.
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