'Canes coach: Moore 'possibly could play' at Georgia Tech

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Ryan Moore stood on the sideline on a breezy Tuesday, tossing a football around with Miami teammates before practice began.

His actions only looked insignificant.

Moore's return from an indefinite suspension may be looming. Hurricanes coach Larry Coker said the senior could see his first action of the season Saturday, when Miami visits No. 21 Georgia Tech in a game that'll likely go a long way in deciding the Atlantic Coast Conference's Coastal Division race.

"He's in good enough shape that he possibly could play against Georgia Tech," Coker said.

Coker stopped short of saying Moore has been reinstated, and wouldn't even divulge if Moore would continue practicing with the team. Moore has been with the team for at least two other practices in recent weeks.

Ryan Moore's potential return could be a big boost for the 'Canes. (Getty Images)

Miami (5-2, 2-1) could have up to 12 other suspended players back this week, all who sat out last Saturday's 20-15 win over Duke for their involvement in a sideline-clearing brawl against Florida International the week before. Safety Anthony Reddick remains on indefinite suspension; he swung his helmet as a weapon in the fight.

But Moore's return -- if it happens -- would be viewed as a bonus by many Hurricanes.

"First of all, it's good to just see him back out," Miami quarterback Kyle Wright said. "But I think it's going to be really beneficial having a wide receiver with a lot of game experience, someone who really knows the game, to help those young guys out. ... Having him back in the mix is definitely encouraging for me, also."

Moore has caught 82 passes for 1,205 yards and nine touchdowns in 33 career games with the Hurricanes, who are a half-game behind Georgia Tech (5-2, 3-1) in the Coastal Division.

"Of course I'm happy to have a veteran receiver back that has been one of our top guys for the last couple years," said defensive back Brandon Meriweather, one of the 12 Hurricanes who served one-game brawl-related suspensions last weekend. "He's going to take a lot of pressure off Kyle and the O-line. I know for a fact that he's hungry and ready to play, so I'm happy that he's back."

Moore -- who was not available for comment before practice -- was suspended Aug. 26, hours after police said he kicked a woman's car door, then grabbed her by the neck and pushed her down. A second woman got out of the car and Moore allegedly threatened her, police said.

Charges in that incident are still pending, the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office said Tuesday.

But Coker indicated that the matter -- at least from his perspective -- is about to be resolved enough to allow a possibility of Moore playing again this season.

"He's been suspended for what, now, seven games? That's a pretty harsh punishment," Coker said. "The perception, I don't know what the perception is going to be. I know what the right thing to do is. ... We're going to move forward."

Coker also said linebacker Romeo Davis, who injured his knee on the first play of the Duke game, had surgery Monday and probably will miss the remainder of the season.