Canes Warning
Fansided

Mario Cristobal gives injury update ahead of playing Wake Forest

Mario Cristobal gave updates on cornerback Damari Brown , offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez and edge rusher Elijah Alston who have all missed significant time with injuries this season.

By Alan Rubenstein

Nov 18, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Chris Bell (0) catches the football against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Damari Brown (6) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Chris Bell (0) catches the football against Miami Hurricanes defensive back Damari Brown (6) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Speaking to reporters ahead of playing Wake Forest, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal stated that cornerback Damari Brown, offensive lineman Ryan Rodriguez and edge rusher Elijah Alston have been cleared and are practicing and it will be a game-time decision if they will play against the Demon Deacons.

Brown and Rodriguez have both been out since suffering injuries in the opening game versus Florida. Miami has struggled in the secondary without Brown. Matthew McCoy primarily replaced Rodriguez at left guard, especially when Jalen Rivers was out with an injury. Alston provides Miami with critical depth.

With Brown out for most of the season, Miami is 50th nationally allowing 203.8 passing yards per game and 105th allowing five completions for 50 yards or more. Brown provides Miami with needed depth and length at CB at 6'2. Miami lost Jaidus Richard for the season two weeks ago versus Duke.

Rodriguez is a redshirt junior who played in six games in 2023 with one start and was expected to be a key OL for Miami in 2024 who brought experience. McCoy has started every game at LG with Rodriguez out. Miami has often moved Rivers inside from left tackle and Markel Bell moved into his spot.

"We did get healed up. You know some guys were banged up a little bit. I'm sure but he's asking about Damari (Brown) and Ryan (Rodriguez, Elijah Alston. Those guys are all really close. It'll be a game time decision..Feel good about them joining us either this weekend or next weekend. They're cleared and they're practicing... It's going to be real close and in a positive way... We want to make sure that if they're out there they're performing at a high level that it's not just plug in."

- Miami head coach Mario Cristobal

Alston has 15 tackles, 4.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1.0 interception and 1.0 fumble recovery this season. Alston started the final four games in September after Rueben Bain was out with an injury. The Miami defensive line has struggled to create pressure as well as they did earlier this season.

Miami had also played without linebacker Raul Aguirre. Cristobal expanded on the injuries and discussed NFL teams having 53-man rosters comparing them to the limitations of college rosters. The Miami secondary and defensive line have been challenged by injuries throughout the 2024 season.

Other than Richard, Miami is getting healthy at the proverbial right time. Miami knows if it wins their last two games they will qualify for the ACC Championship Game. Cristobal says they have not discussed what they need to do, that the players know and they are continuing to take the approach of going 1-0, each day and week.

Miami is focused on each meeting and practice leading up to Wake Forest and not looking ahead. Cristobal also stated that Brown and the other injured players have remained engaged with their teammates. Miami does not allow its players to become isolated when injured and rehabbing per Cristobal.

feed

Home/Miami Hurricanes Football