Miami OL Zion Nelson suffered 'setback' in recovery

Miami offensive lineman Zion Nelson has suffered a “setback” in his injury recovery process, according to ‘Canes head coach Mario Cristobal. The key offensive standout has missed three of the first four games of the season with injury problems.

“There was a setback,” Cristobal said Monday. “We expect that it’s going to be close [to a game-time decision]. Similar to where we were at the start of the season. He was kind of healing up and getting right there and we’re about in the same spot.”

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Nelson has only seen the field the Hurricanes’ in Week 3 against Texas A&M after missing Miami’s first two games of the season. DJ Scaife started in his place in the loss to Middle Tennessee State the following week after being ruled out on game day.

As a sophomore last season, he started all 12 games for the Hurricanes before undergoing a cleanup surgery over the offseason and missing the beginning of the year. Nelson was an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2021 and played a key role on the Miami offensive line. He could play another big part again this season in Cristobal’s first year at the helm, and his name is already coming up in NFL Draft circles.

Elsewhere on the Miami injury list, tight end Elijah Arroyo and wide receiver Jacolby George will also likely be game-time decisions alongside Nelson this weekend.

“We have some guys who are going to be out that haven’t healed up yet, but we’re not going to be able to give a full assessment on that. We will give that out at the end of the week or as soon as we possibly can.”

Regardless if they can suit up or not, the ‘Canes ACC matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels will kick off this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET live on ESPN2. Miami has opened as a four-point favorite, per Vegas Insider.