Running back Lorenzo Lingard was not seen during pre-game warm-ups or on the sidelines for Saturday’s game against Bethune-Cookman.

Going into the game, Lingard was considered a young player that might get an opportunity to show what he could do against the FCS opponent.

Following the game, Manny Diaz made it clear that Lingard was held out due to an injury he sustained during the week.

"Lingard was out for the game," Diaz said. "We lost him midweek in practice, but he should be fine for this week. That was an injury deal."

Diaz made it clear that the injury is not the same leg injury Lingard had last year. Diaz said he expect Lingard to play this season.

Lingard has not played in the first two games of the season despite head coach Manny Diaz saying before last week's game against North Carolina, "Yeah he is (getting closer). Lorenzo is a guy that could have a chance to get in the game in some capacity and still work him up to speed, but he's now just getting into the mix of being with the team."

Lingard, a former five-star recruit, missed the final six games of the 2018 season with a knee injury and has been anxiously awaiting an opportunity to be back on the field in a game.

In the week leading up to the Bethune-Cookman game, Lingard was working with the scout team and he still had a brace on his knee.

Lingard shined last year in back-up duties against FCS opponent, Savannah State, rushing for 82 yards and two touchdowns. One of his touchdowns went for 64 yards.

Lingard was the No. 2 overall running back in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Here was 247Sports.com's recruiting evaluation of Lingard coming out of high school:

“Lingard, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, is a north and south runner that does a good job of pumping his legs and fighting through initial contact to move the chains. The running back has intriguing measurables at tailback, and flashes outstanding vision and craftiness when operating with the football as well. This a hard-nosed that has no problem putting his shoulder down and playing with physicality, so there's a good mixture of size and toughness with Lingard.”

As a senior in high school, Lingard gained 1,701 yards on 207 carries and scored 26 touchdowns as senior en route to Gatorade Florida Player of the Year honors.

As a junior, Lingard rushed for 1,418 yards on 130 carries and 22 touchdowns despite sharing rushing duties with two other running backs.

Lingard is also an accomplished track and field athlete, claiming Florida State 4A Championship in 110-meter hurdles. In high school, he posted elite hurdle times in both the 110M hurdles and the 300M hurdles, running a 13.94 in the 110M hurdles and a 36.63 in the 300M hurdles. Lingard has also run a very fast 10.71 in the 100 meters.

The summer before his freshman season at Miami, Lingard clocked a 4.27 in the 40. He is believed to be the fastest player on Miami’s roster.