Running back DeeJay Dallas and linebacker Michael Pinckney are both looking to return from injuries against Florida State on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC) after missing last game.

"We're very optimistic for getting DeeJay Dallas back, we're very optimistic for getting Pinckney back," Diaz said.

The team had a light practice on Sunday.

"Our Sunday practice is so light with what is going on, but they were able to do some things out there," Diaz said.

The Hurricanes are off on Monday and will resume practice on Tuesday morning.

Both players were absent in Miami's 16-12 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday, which improved Miami's record to 4-4 on the season, 2-3 in the ACC.

Dallas, who leads the team in rushing with 486 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards a carry, exited the game against Georgia Tech on Oct. 19 in the first quarter with a knee injury. He traveled to Pittsburgh, but did not suit up.

Cam'Ron Harris filled in for Dallas and rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against Pittsburgh, a week after he rushed for a career-high 136 yards on 18 carries.

Robert Burns served as Harris's backup against Pittsburgh and had one carry for four yards.

Pinckney, who is fourth on the team with 38 tackles to go with 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, was replaced in the starting lineup by Zach McCloud after Pinckney also was injured against Georgia Tech. Diaz announced earlier this season that McCloud, a senior, intends to redshirt and now has appeared in four games, which is the maximum allowed to retain a redshirt.

McCloud was credited with five tackles, 1/2 for a loss, and a pass breakup, which led to an interception, in his first start of the season after starting nine games last year.

"I thought he played great especially considering that we were starting to cut back on his reps in practice in the last three weeks just because that window was starting to get tighter and tighter," defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. "From a physical standpoint he was phenomenal both physical at the point of attack and just his conditioning level. My gosh to be able to for three weeks not to get very many practice reps and then come out and not skip a beat, never look tired, I was so proud of that guy. He is a great, great kid. I couldn't be happier for him."

Wide receiver Jeff Thomas, who has been suspended the last two games, and quarterback/wide receiver Tate Martell, who missed Saturday's game due to a medical leave of absence, have also returned.

"Jeff Thomas will be back this week and Tate Martell came back to practice (Sunday) so hopefully if things go well this week, we'll have everybody available on Saturday," Diaz said.

Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by e-mail at stock@insidetheu.com and on Twitter @InsideTheU.