Mario Cristobal Delivers Update on Miami Hurricanes’ Superstar Return From Surgery

During the first half of Saturday's prime-time matchup against Notre Dame, the Miami Hurricanes had the worst offensive start of the season by going scoreless in four of five drives; the absence of superstar wide receiver Malachi Toney proved to be significant.

The 19-year-old shocked the college football world following reports of undergoing tightrope surgery to address a high ankle sprain injury suffered in a Wednesday practice.

Without Toney, the Hurricanes' offense was stagnant before gathering a rhythm and momentum in the second half. Despite the great efforts of a comeback, it was short, finishing in a 31-24 loss. Following the game, head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about Toney's status for the rest of the season and delivered an update:

"Timeline is as soon as four and a half weeks from procedure time," he said. "I've seen Malachi for a long time; he's like an alley cat, always landing perfectly on his feet. [It was] one of those freakish [accidents] during a Wednesday practice. Unfortunately, [Toney] got a little bit tangled up and fell awkwardly."

The Liberty City (Fla.) native underwent surgery reportedly on Thursday and four weeks later is Dec. 3, which is two days ahead of the Atlantic Coast Conference football championship game.

Even if Toney doesn't make an initial return, he could be looking at the College Football Playoffs if the Hurricanes make it. Given Saturday's loss, the only path forward is to win the ACC to claim an automatic berth in the bracket. Toney leads the Hurricanes in catches (73), targets (85), all-purpose yards (1,157), and touchdowns (13).

During Saturday's game, four skilled players (wide receiver Cooper Barkate, tight end Elija Lofton, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, and wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs) had at least three targets.

Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 24 of 43 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. A 55.8 completion percentage is the lowest for the 21-year-old this season.

Barkate led with 10 catches on 12 targets for 92 yards and scored two touchdowns.

The Hurricanes have the offensive personnel to win out the rest of the regular season and clinch a berth to compete for the ACC title. However, Toney's return is needed for another National Championship chase. The Hurricanes' remaining schedule is favorable without the electrifying playmaker – all at home in Hard Rock Stadium:

- Nov. 14: Duke (12:00 p.m. kickoff; televised on ABC)

- Nov. 21: Virginia Tech

- Nov. 28: Boston College

Although the Hurricanes will be favored in each matchup, the margin of error is thinner with the ACC title on the line. It's an opportunity for others to continue to step up and take advantage of expanded roles.

Cristobal, Mensah, and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will need to continue to adjust to different schemes, as Toney recovers.

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