Junior linebacker Taylor Reed, one of the key members of SMU's defense after leading the Mustangs and finishing seventh in the nation last year with 145 tackles, said the elbow he hurt Saturday against Texas A&M is not yet fully healed, but said the injury will not keep him from playing in the Mustangs' home opener Saturday against UTEP.
Reed said he isn't quite sure how he suffered the injury.
"I still don't know exactly what happened, but I haven't seen the film," he said. "I led with my elbow on their big receiver, (Jeff) Fuller, and I guess that wasn't a good idea because my whole arm went numb."
Reed said the immediate effect from the injury was not so much pain as it was a loss of use of the limb.
"It took me five or six plays to get feeling back in my arm," he said. "I couldn't squeeze (anyone's) hand. It doesn't really hurt now, but I've got to get some stiffness out."
Reed took part in all drills in Tuesday's practice, although his left arm hung by his side as he ran. Nevertheless, he said he is confident he'll be on the field Saturday against the Miners.
"I guess they're calling it a pinched nerve or something," Reed said. "It's still coming back, but I'll be ready Saturday. I'll take a shot in it if I have to, but I'm playing."