Freeman Prepares Notre Dame for Toney’s Possible Absence

Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame is preparing for Miami with or without star receiver Malachi Toney, as the teams get ready to meet in South Bend, Indiana, on November 7. The Fighting Irish hold the 11th spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff poll; Miami, at 8-0, sits atop it.

At first, Toney had an ankle injury and hoped to play. He was later set to have tightrope surgery, which would sideline him for multiple weeks. He injured the ankle during practice on Wednesday and underwent further evaluations. He is considered out indefinitely, with a typical recovery period of four to six weeks.

Freeman said he learned of the injury on Wednesday and Notre Dame would prepare for both possibilities. He also cautioned that Miami has other strong players, while saying no single player would replace Toney’s contribution.

Toney has 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking second nationally in receptions, third in receiving yards and tied for second in touchdowns. He had also been among the Heisman Trophy contenders. Miami’s other leading receivers include Cooper Barkate, with 28 catches, 372 yards and four touchdowns; Daylyn Upshaw, with 263 yards and two touchdowns; and Elija Lofton, with 20 catches, 236 yards and two touchdowns.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. ET. Toney’s expected recovery period could leave open a return for the College Football Playoff, whose first round starts December 18 and 19. The impact a Miami loss would have on its playoff ranking remains uncertain.