Center Jameel McKay will play Saturday against No. 5 Texas A&M, ISU coach Steve Prohm told the media Thursday afternoon.

Prohm, who just got back from a recruiting trip in Milwaukee, Wisc., briefly talked with both McKay and his doctor about the situation.

“From what I’ve [been] told, it’s just a little swelling, a little irritation,” Prohm said. “We’ve just got to continue to get treatment and get strong.”

McKay initially injured his knee against Oklahoma two weeks ago, but returned to finish the game. Against Kansas last Monday, though, McKay re-injured his knee and did not return to the game. McKay later confirmed that there was inflammation in his knee.

“I didn’t really feel it last game until like right after halftime,” McKay said. “In the second half, I made a move and it was so frustrating because the leg gave out on me.”

McKay saw doctors on Wednesday, and is now considered day-to-day, according to Prohm. Prohm said that he is not sure how much McKay will practice leading up to Saturday’s game.

“It’s getting better,” McKay said. “I’m glad we got it so early so the inflammation won’t pop or anything like that.”

And as for any structural damage, McKay said there is no need to worry.

“My knee looks good,” he said. “It’s just some irritation that’s causing something to pull and rub.”

While he said its frustrating to have this lingering problem during such an important part of the season, McKay did say he’s better mentally. 

But either way, McKay said it would have been hard for him to sit out. He was planning to play against the Aggies regardless.

“Yeah, I don’t know if my teammates would have let me live,” McKay said. “No, seriously. I never really thought about sitting out, especially with the way we’re rolling right now. My teammates would kill me.”

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