By Nick Veronica

Canisius senior forward Chris Manhertz was cleared for practice this week after missing the last three games with a broken nose and is probable for Thursday’s game against Quinnipiac.

Manhertz suffered the injury Feb. 7 in a loss to Manhattan. He returned to practice Tuesday wearing a custom face mask, the school said, and will practice again later today.

Canisius can use the services of its leading rebounder Thursday as the Griffs face a Quinnipiac team that leads the country in rebounding at 45.9 per game. Canisius is 251st in rebounding at 33.6 per game and has struggled defensively without Manhertz.

It’s also a huge game in the MAAC standings, as both teams enter in the game tied for third place at 12-4. Canisius went 2-1 with Manhertz out of the lineup, including a loss to Iona and wins at Niagara and Siena (3OT).

Whether or not Manhertz will start the game, assuming he plays, has not yet been decided.