Progress for UNC's Pianalto

UNC tight end Zack Pianalto hasn't played since dislocating a bone in his right foot on Sept. 12. The junior returned to practice this week, the Tar Heels' bye week, a sign that he could play against Florida State on Thursday.

Despite missing four games, Pianalto ranks third on the team in receiving yards (112). He had seven catches for 87 yards and a touchdown before injuring his foot in the fourth quarter of UNC's 12-10 win over UConn in the second week of the season.

UNC coach Butch Davis wouldn't say if Pianalto would be ready for FSU, only that he's making progress.

"He's running routes and slowly working his way back into practice," Davis said.

The Heels have missed Pianalto, especially on short routes over the middle of the field. His blocking would also be a bonus for a running game that has produced 56 yards on 41 carries in two ACC losses.

Center Lowell Dyer is still weeks away from returning to the lineup, if at all, Davis said. Dyer injured his right shoulder in practice before the UConn game and has missed the past five games.

Davis said Dyer's injury is related to the muscle tissue, if it had been ligament damage, as originally feared, his season would be over. As it is, Dyer's return isn't expected any time soon.