CINCINNATI (AP) -X-rays show Tony Pike's non-passing forearm is healing nicely, so he'll be able to practice with No. 4 Cincinnati this week wearing a new splint instead of his bulky cast.

Pike had a protective plate in his left forearm damaged during a game on Oct. 15 and had it replaced. He's missed the last two games while the arm mends, with sophomore Zach Collaros leading the Bearcats (8-0) to wins over Louisville and Syracuse.

Pike had an exam Monday that found the forearm is healing well. Coach Brian Kelly said a special splint was ordered that will allow him to do more things in practice this week. Collaros is likely to start on Saturday at home against Connecticut (4-4).Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.