Louisville forward Rakeem Buckles has been cleared to return to practice starting Thursday.
The junior for the seventh-ranked Cardinals tore a ligament in his right knee on Feb. 27 and had surgery the following month. He participated in individual instruction on Nov. 9 and could return in a few weeks.
Buckles averaged 6.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 16 games last season and is one of several Louisville players who have dealt with significant injuries already this season. Forward Stephan Van Treese (knee) returned for the first time in Tuesday night's 54-27 victory over Arkansas State. Guard Mike Marra (knee) is out for the season, while guard Peyton Siva (ankle) has missed the last two games and is not expected to play Friday night against Ohio.
