Tigers add a bullet for shootout

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Missouri Tigers will have their big-play receiver back for Saturday's game against No. 2 Texas.

Senior Sean Coffey, the team's leading receiver from a year ago, will start after missing two games with a left shoulder injury suffered in the season-opening win over Arkansas State.

"He just worked hard and got back in, so he's ready to go," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said.

Coffey said his shoulder is 80 percent to 85 percent healed, but he intends to play as if it were at full strength.

"My shoulder's not 100 percent, but it's safe enough for me to play now," Coffey said. "This is a regular game, nothing is going to change. I'm playing like nothing's wrong."

Coffey began rehabbing three weeks ago when an MRI revealed no structural damage and surgery was ruled unnecessary. It helped that Missouri (2-1) had a bye last week.

Coffey returned to practice a week ago as a noncontact player.

"In practice, I forget that I'm hurt until somebody asks me how my shoulder's doing or something like that," Coffey said. "I haven't really been hit yet."

That will change against the Longhorns (3-0), who are outscoring opponents by an average of 45-11. Coffey said he won't shy away from contact.

"I'm going to play everything just like I did before, like I'm 100 percent because in my mind I'm 100 percent," he said.

Last season, Coffey caught 39 passes for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns. His return also gives Missouri a deep threat -- last season, he had six catches for 30 yards or more, including five for touchdowns.

He was in similar form in the opener, with four catches for 82 yards through two quarters before his injury.

"He's a great leader for us on offense," quarterback Brad Smith said. "He makes a lot of plays and I'm excited to have a guy out there who's as good as he is."

It was Smith who helped Coffey stay positive during his two-game absence. The two have been good friends since rooming together as freshmen.

Coffey's absence allowed Missouri's younger receivers to gain experience. Sophomore Will Franklin leads the Big 12 in receptions per game and redshirt freshman Tommy Saunders started his first two collegiate games.

Coffey even did some coaching along the way to help the younger players, but his main focus was always getting back on the field.

"He's definitely aching to get back and I think this week is a great time for him to come back," receiver Brad Ekwerekwu said.