The James Madison football teams is getting some reinforcements on defense for the final two games of the season.

Sophomores Jamie Veney and Taveion Cuffee have rejoined the Dukes in practice this week. Injuries have sidelined both players for the past three games.

"I hate sitting on the sideline, watching everybody," says Veney, who was originally thought lost for the season with a knee injury.

"My knee's feeling better than I thought," he says. "I feel good."

Cuffee's been out with an ankle injury. Like Veney, he was hurt in the Dukes' 27-0 loss at home to Villanova.

"This is the first time I've missed any games in my whole, entire football-playing career," Cuffee says.

"It was very stressful seeing the guys out there playing. But at the same time we're winning," he adds. "So as a team player, I just felt as though when I got back, just get my chance to play, and take advantage of it."

Veney - who started every game at linebacker a season ago as a true freshman - also struggled with a quadriceps injury during preseason camp. In six games this season, he has 29 tackles, including one for a loss.

Cuffee had started every game this season prior to his ankle injury, recording 23 tackles and a pair of pass break-ups.

Cuffee says it was "very important" to get healthy in time to rejoin the Dukes this season.

"These last four games (wins against Delaware and Maine, and the two still on the schedule) we play are going to build into next year's team, and the future," Cuffee says.

"I'm just hoping to go out there and help my team win," says Veney. "Continue this winning streak, and just go out and have fun these last two games."