WACO, Texas (AP) Baylor coach Dave Aranda expressed optimism Monday that his team will be able to play its Big 12 opener against Kansas on Saturday after having to call off a game last weekend because of positive COVID-19 tests that affected a position group.

Declining to discuss specifics, Aranda said the Bears expected about five players back through the week at "the position that was affected," as well as five or six players back at other positions.

"We're feeling pretty strong about our team being fortified and being strengthened," Aranda said. "The wild card in all it is going to be these tests that we take (this week). I feel confident about (playing). But after you've been hit with one of these, you're very aware."