UCF coach George O'Leary said running back Latavius Murray will likely play against Missouri Saturday, but  Murray will not start.

Murray, who entered the Knights' season as the starting running back, suffered a shoulder injury during the season opener against Akron and did not play the next three games.

O’Leary said Murray has practiced this week while donning a yellow jersey that indicates he is returning from injury.

“He was OKed by the doctor last Friday to go out,” O’Leary said. “ . . . He's taking hits and stuff of that sort.”

The coach said he expects Murray to play for the Knights (2-1, 0-1 C-USA) against the Tigers (2-2, 0-2 SEC).

“He's in the game plan on the offensive side of the field,” O’Leary said. “How much he plays, I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see how the week develops. He missed three weeks. He definitely won't start in the game unless he really shows something [Wednesday] and Thursday that [makes us say,] `Whoa.’”

Miami transfer Storm Johnson has started in place of Murray, while former first team All-Conference USA rusher Brynn Harvey has moved into the backup role. Johnson leads UCF in rushing with 187 yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns. Harvey has 122 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries. During the first half against Akron, Murray recorded 109 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries.

Murray averaged 7.7 yards per carry against arguably weaker competition, while Johnson has averaged 4.5 yards per carry and Harvey has averaged 4.4 yards per carry.

Former QB Jeff Godfrey, a fast athlete who now signs up at receiver for the Knights, has the highest yards per carry average on the team. He has averaged 9.0 yards on three sweep plays this season.

While he said he's comfortable with the Knights' rotation of running backs, O’Leary said he doesn’t plan to hold Murray out of the game. He noted throughout his Tuesday press conference Missouri boasts a potent defense and the Knights need to make plays every chance they get on the field.

“I think he has to play this weekend,” O’Leary said of Murray. “I think he will play.”