Rueben Bain Jr. Injury Update: CFB insider shares latest news on Miami DL's availability for Week 6

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. was dealing with a soft tissue issue and his status for Week 6 against California is yet to be determined. Bain Jr. has yet to play this season.

The defensive lineman has been a key pass rusher for the Hurricanes, so his status for Week 6 against Cal is crucial. On Sunday, Miami coach Mario Cristobal said that Bain Jr. will play Saturday.

Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press took to X to share:

"Rueben Bain 'is a go' for this week and will play at Cal on Saturday night, Mario Cristobal says in his weekly appearance on WQAM. Jalen Rivers will be a game-time decision."

Getting Bain Jr. back is key for the Hurricanes as he is a big part of the defense. In his freshman season in 2023, Bain Jr. recorded 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass defense.

Bain did take warmups against Virginia Tech but Cristobal decided to play it safe and give him one more week of rest.

"I am sure you guys saw him pregame," Cristobal said, via 247Sports. "He looked great. It was kind of at the edge right there and we chose the route to guarantee his health as best as we could. Rueben is a go this week."

Bain Jr. projects to be Miami's starting right end against Cal. Miami is a 12.5-point favorite on the road against Cal in Week 6.

Rueben Bain Jr. has high expectations for himself in 2024

After a successful freshman season, Rueben Bain Jr. says he has high expectations for himself. Bain Jr. wants to help Miami win a national championship as well as win individual awards as the top pass rusher. The pass rusher has lofty goals ahead of him for the 2024 season (as per miamihurricanes.com):

“I want to see my game grow to its potential max every day. I’m putting in the work on and off the field to be the best player and best person I can be,” Bain said of his goals for 2024. “I feel like with the culture, the staff, and the players I’m surrounded with, the sky’s the limit and the only thing that can stop me is me...

"Focusing on me and becoming the best player I can be and just dominating that aspect, then being more vocal, not just leading by action, but by word of mouth too, I feel like that’s something the team needs, the program needs. Once we get a few solidified leaders and captains, we’ll be okay.”

Bain Jr. will be back in the lineup on Saturday when Miami goes on the road to take on Cal.