Pitt weakside linebacker Shane Murray is ready to return to the lineup Saturday when the Panthers (1-1) play host to Iowa (3-0), but how much he plays and how effective he will be is even a mystery to him.

Murray, a redshirt junior from Central Catholic High School, was the starter last season and was slated as the starter going into this year, but a knee strain a day before training camp ended forced him to sit out the Panthers' first two games.

Murray, who began practicing again late last week, said Pitt's bye this past weekend has helped. He said he could have played in the last game against Buffalo but wouldn't have been as effective as he needs to be.

"I think it is just little things I need to get used to now," said Murray, who will wear a brace on his right knee for the rest of the season, "especially just wearing a brace. I'm good to run full speed ahead and sideways I am pretty quick as well. At first, I was a little concerned when I was cutting, but it wasn't bugging me, so it doesn't really pose a problem for me ... it is really just getting used to wearing a brace. I do feel pretty good right now."

Murray, who has added 25 pounds since last year (he's now 225), said the coaches were being cautious with his recovery so he won't miss the whole season.

"I don't know if I will start or take limited reps or play the whole game, so we'll see what happens," he said.

Murray said he has learned a lot about playing his position just from watching from the sidelines because he was able to see the good plays -- and the mistakes -- made by the outside linebackers and see them at game speed.

Pitt linebacker coach Joe Tumpkin said having Murray back will be welcome because of his experience. Murray was replaced by fifth-year senior Austin Ransom, a converted receiver, and while Ransom played admirably, he did make a number of mistakes.

Pitt's defensive line will be giving up about two inches and 20 pounds on average to Iowa's offensive line, which appears to give the Hawkeyes an advantage with their power running game.

However, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said that is not necessarily the case because his offensive line is still not very experienced.

"Right now, we are certainly better than we are a year ago," Ferentz said. "We're moving along, but we're still a ways to go. As for Pitt, I've never made much out of size when you compare lines, I think it is still more about leverage and technique, and Pitt's guys don't have any problem with that."

The off week has helped the Panthers get to full strength for the Iowa game. ... Pitt will honor Olympic track and field medalists Herb Douglas and Roger Kingdom during the game Saturday. It is the 60th anniversary of Douglas' bronze medal in the long jump and the 20th anniversary of Kingdom's gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles. ... Members of the men's basketball team will receive their Big East championship rings Saturday during the game and the women's basketball team will be honored for its Sweet 16 NCAA appearance.