Miami Hurricanes' Malachi Toney Faces Uncertain Status Ahead of Notre Dame

MIAMI, Fla. – In the wake of rumors and speculation all around social media, Miami Hurricanes wide receiver and college football rising star Malachi Toney is reportedly dealing with an ankle injury.

According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, the 19-year-old's status for this Saturday's prime-time matchup against Notre Dame is "uncertain." Toney will push to play, but nothing is guaranteed. It's very likely for the Liberty City (Fla.) native to be a game-time decision.

Toney hasn't missed a college football game yet. He's shown great durability, despite a few injury-scare moments and absorbing hard contact. In eight games this season, Toney has 1,027 receiving yards (third most in the Football Bowl Subdivision) on 73 catches while scoring 13 total touchdowns.

Multiple reports have indicated for it not to be a serious or longterm injury.

Despite the recent news, Toney was available for Tuesday's media availability on Zoom. He had a full session, which likely wouldn't have happened had it been very concerning.

As this Saturday's game is a non-conference matchup, there will be no legitimate injury report heading into the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. The only way to know if Toney is going to suit up and play is to see if or when he lines up when the offense starts. He leads the Hurricanes in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Although Toney primarily operates in the slot, the electrifying playmaker is versatile enough to line up all over the field. Even without targets, he makes an impact by blocking defenders to create space on the field for others.

Toney has logged 439 offensive snaps this season, which is the fifth-most among the Hurricanes, only behind center Ryan Rodriguez (501), left tackle Samson Okunlola (501), right tackle Matthew McCoy (495), and quarterback Darian Mensah (490). Plus, an additional 35 on special teams as a punt returner.

As the highest-scoring offense in FBS, averaging 47.6 points through eight games, Toney plays a tremendous role in that success. If he is not to play, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will need to demand more from Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw, Vandrevius Jacobs, Somourian Wingo, and Vance Spafford.

Toney's injury could be viewed as an advantage for Notre Dame's secondary, specifically All-American cornerback Leonard Moore, who is projected to line up against him. Regardless, the sophomore is known to do what's best for others rather than focus on individual success. If the Heisman Trophy candidate suits up, it's to help the Hurricanes come out of South Bend (IN) with a win.

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