Hayes Cleared to Return

Receiver Windrell Hayes looked sharp as he practiced for the first time in more than two weeks, and he has the green light to return Saturday after sitting out two games because of a sprained right ankle.

“That’s a real boost for us,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

Hayes will get today off to soothe anticipated soreness and isn’t expected to start Saturday, but he should play a key role.

“I feel good,” Hayes said. “It hurts a little, but that’s normal. On Saturday, I don’t expect to have any soreness. I’m not really limited as far as cutting, I’m just being cautious.”

Hayes will be coming back to a different quarterback, Mike Van Raaphorst, after working closely with Carson Palmer before Palmer’s injury.

“That’s the toughest thing,” Hackett said. “He and Mike really haven’t had the time.”

Even after missing two weeks, Hayes is returning sooner than many expected from the high ankle sprain, a typically slow-healing injury.

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Tailback Malaefou MacKenzie will return in a limited role after sitting out three games because of a hamstring injury related to his rehabilitation from knee surgery.