As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the the Iowa State Cyclones in search of their fourth straight win on Saturday, it appears they'll get a boost with running back Malcolm Brown returning to the field.

Head coach Mack Brown told the Daily Texan that Brown will return to the fold in the backfield this week after missing the last five games with an ankle injury. Mack Brown said Malcolm Brown was ready to return last week, but was left out of the team's win over Texas Tech because the sophomore running back didn't practice much during the week.

Mack Brown said the back should play this week.

Malcolm Brown has rushed for 245 yards on 40 carries with 3 touchdowns. Fellow running back Johnathan Gray held down the fort well in Brown's absence, with 533 yards on 101 carries and a touchdown. Gray said he was happy to be getting his running mate back:

"Malcolm looks good back in action. Looking forward to getting him back in the running back room. It'll be exciting to have him back."

No. 19 Texas and Iowa State play Saturday at 11 a.m. CT in Austin, Texas.