AUSTIN, Texas -- Three Texas players suspended for the first three games have been reinstated and should be available to play Saturday against Rice, coach Mack Brown said Monday.

Sophomore linebacker Sergio Kindle and junior defensive end Henry Melton were suspended for three games at the start of training camp after summer drunken driving arrests.

Wide receiver Billy Pittman was suspended for three games after the school determined he received improper benefits for the use of a friend's car.

"[Kindle and Melton] are great players. I think they can be very effective," cornerback Brandon Foster said.

Pittman has 69 catches for 1,206 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press