Zion Nelson a 'game-time decision' for Miami

Reeling a bit after suffering back-to-back non-conference losses, Miami might actually have a bit of good news heading into a home game against North Carolina. Stalwart offensive tackle Zion Nelson is a game-time decision, possibly returning to action.

Miami coach Mario Cristobal addressed Nelson’s status on Wednesday, meeting with reporters on a video conference call.

“I think Zion will be a game-time decision,” Cristobal said. “He has gotten work and he does look good, but again we’ll rely on the medical staff to give us a final decision on him. Very optimistic on him and his chances.”

Nelson has appeared in only one game this season for the Hurricanes, making his lone appearance in Week 3 against Texas A&M.

The 6-foot-5, 316-pound fourth-year junior underwent a relatively minor knee procedure in fall camp, but he suffered a setback in his recovery and was a late scratch from the game against MTSU on Sept. 24.

Not knowing if he’ll be available for sure on Saturday, the backups for the ‘Canes will need to be ready to go again.

“We prepare the third-team guy as well as we prepare the first-team guy,” Cristobal said. “Are they able to reach that level? They did not in camp. Now with the issues that we’ve had from an injury standpoint there is no choice.

“I think that has driven guys to improve, and I do see a tremendous improvement in the supporting cast for (quarterback) Tyler (Van Dyke), for the quarterbacks in general, and they have taken a step up. I just think collectively everybody has, and they’ve done a really good job and it’s been a really good week. They’re excited to play football on Saturday.”

Miami struggling with offensive injuries

Though Zion Nelson is a game-time decision on Saturday, the Hurricanes are still reeling from several other injuries that have really derailed the offense.

The loss of receiver Xavier Restrepo to a foot injury prior to the Texas A&M game was a big one.

“When you lose your two primary targets and then your next two targets are on the mend, everyone has to continue to step up,” Cristobal said. “You can’t wish for answers to happen, you’ve got to work it into reality, work it into existence. And it starts with making sure that everyone in the organization understands what that means, right? Because as it relates to the passing game, the passing game is about precision, right? Detail, timing, being in the right place, blocking the right people, making sure the ball gets out on time, understanding the different coverages, the adjustments to them.”

Miami’s offense failed to reach the end zone against Texas A&M, then was unable to match MTSU’s output when the defense disappeared.

If that doesn’t change on Saturday it could be a long day. The Tar Heels currently rank sixth in the country in both total offense (507.2 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.4 points per game).

Miami and North Carolina are slated for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, with a broadcast on ESPN2.