Miami’s Malachi Toney reportedly needs ankle surgery before Notre Dame game

Miami will face Notre Dame without its leading receiver, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Malachi Toney has a high ankle sprain and is scheduled for surgery, Thamel reported Wednesday night. The Associated Press separately reported that surgery was planned, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Miami’s statement confirmed that Toney was injured during Wednesday’s practice and was undergoing further evaluation. The school has not announced a return date. The surgery and Saturday absence remain attributed to the reporting.

The work Miami must redistribute

Toney has 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns through eight games, according to ESPN. His production gives Darian Mensah a receiver who can sustain drives as well as finish them. Replacing that workload requires more than assigning one player his place in the formation: Miami must redistribute targets and decide who gets the crucial third-down opportunities.

Cooper Barkate and Daylyn Upshaw are among the other receivers in Miami’s passing attack. The immediate test is whether the offense can build dependable combinations around them without letting Notre Dame concentrate its coverage on a single alternative.

The Hurricanes are 8-0 and opened at No. 1 in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings. Notre Dame is No. 11 in that ranking. Saturday’s game now gives the committee an early look at how Miami responds when a central part of its offense is unavailable.