Miami RB James set to return after missing four games

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami running back Javarris James is expected to play Saturday against Duke after missing four games with a high left ankle sprain.

James, the Hurricanes' first-string tailback entering the season, had 84 total yards and two touchdowns in the season-opening win against Charleston Southern. He got hurt after just two carries for four yards the following week at Florida and hasn't played since.

"All indications are he should be full-go," Miami coach Randy Shannon said Tuesday.

James practiced with tape over the outside of his cleat Tuesday, helping to protect him from rolling the ankle again, but said he was nearly back to full strength.

"Being on the sidelines so much, it helped me be able to read defenses a little more," James said. "It helped my game mentally a lot."

The ankle is still a bit sore at times, but James said some stiffness after being off for more than a month was expected.

"It's nothing I can't push through," James said.

The Hurricanes will also get offensive linemen Reggie Youngblood and Chris Barney back from various leg injuries this week, Shannon said.