Hurricanes getting healthier before regular-season finale

CORAL GABLES — When Miami plays its regular-season finale against Pittsburgh on Saturday, it should have nearly its full complement of starters back on the field.

The Hurricanes have had key players dealing with injuries for the past several weeks, but Mario Cristobal said during his weekly news conference and in an interview on WQAM’s “The Joe Rose Show” on Monday that he expects most of the players to return by Saturday.

“We’re on the mend,” Cristobal said. “It’s exciting.”

Cristobal said he feels “pretty good about” defensive tackle David Blay Jr. returning this week. The starting defensive tackle has missed the Hurricanes’ past two games after suffering an injury against Syracuse.

“He was striking that sled yesterday and just about broke it,” Cristobal said in the radio interview. “So I think he’s really close to getting back.”

Cristobal said he also expects to get cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. back from injury after the former freshman All-American missed the last four games.

“Certainly, we expect OJ to be back,” Cristobal said. “He’s one of the better corners in the country.”

Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. returned from injury for UM’s game against Virginia Tech after missing two games. He had six carries for 19 yards as well as a touchdown catch in the win, and Cristobal said Fletcher should be at full strength this weekend.

Cristobal said he also expects wide receiver CJ Daniels to return to full strength this week. Daniels missed three games with an injury and played briefly against Virginia Tech.

The good news for Miami is that it appears safety Jakobe Thomas, who left the game with an injury on Saturday, will be ready to play this week. Cristobal said Thomas was cleared for practice Monday, and he said Thomas will likely be fully cleared for contact on Tuesday.

“I don’t foresee any issues at all,” Crisotbal said. “He was cleared today for practice and tomorrow should be fully cleared for everything. Shouldn’t even be wearing a non-contact jersey. So we’re ready to roll.

Unfortunately for UM, Cristobal said nickelback Keionte Scott remains out with his foot injury, which Cristobal previously said may have ended Scott’s season.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck and defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor were named the ACC players of the week at their respective positions on Monday.

Beck continued his strong run of games, completing 27 of 32 passes for 320 yards and four touchdowns in the victory over the Hokies. Beck had a 90.5 passing grade from Pro Football Focus — his second-straight game with a 90 or better grade.

Mesidor racked up five tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two forced fumbles in the victory. Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.7 grade in the win.

The Hurricanes’ season finale in Pittsburgh will be a noon kickoff, the team announced. It will be broadcast on ABC.

Saturday’s game will be the coldest environment the Hurricanes have played in all season, with Saturday’s high temperature projected to be 34 degrees.