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Miami WR Malachi Toney to undergo tightrope surgery as CFP return remains possible

The procedure could give him an opportunity to return for the CFP.
ByPatrick Previty
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Sep 10, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 10, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami will be without Malachi Toney for Saturday's matchup at Notre Dame after the WR suffered a high ankle sprain during Wednesday's practice. Toney is now scheduled to undergo tightrope surgery on Thursday and will be sidelined indefinitely, although the procedure could give him an opportunity to return for the College Football Playoff.

While Toney is expected to miss at least four weeks, a more definitive recovery timeline will depend on the results of the procedure and his rehab.

What is tightrope surgery and how long is the recovery?

Unlike a typical ankle sprain, which usually affects ligaments along the outside of the ankle, a high ankle sprain damages the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula, the two bones of the lower leg.

The tightrope procedure uses a strong surgical cord secured by small buttons to hold the tibia and fibula in proper alignment while the damaged ligaments heal. Traditional surgical repairs have often involved rigid metal screws, which can restrict movement and sometimes require an additional procedure for removal.

The tightrope device provides stability while allowing a small amount of natural movement between the bones, potentially permitting earlier weight-bearing exercises and a faster progression.

Examples of college football players returning sooner

Brock Bowers underwent tightrope surgery on Oct. 16, 2023, after suffering a high ankle sprain against Vanderbilt, and he returned just 26 days later against Ole Miss.

Tua Tagovailoa underwent the procedure following the 2018 SEC championship game and returned 28 days later for the College Football Playoff semifinal against Oklahoma.

Miami faces a difficult stretch without its leading receiver

After Notre Dame, Miami will host Duke on Nov. 14, Virginia Tech on Nov. 21 and Boston College on Nov. 28 to close the regular season, with the ACC championship game scheduled for Dec. 5. The College Football Playoff begins Dec. 18, potentially giving Toney approximately six weeks to recover before the opening round. If Miami earns a first-round bye, its first playoff game would come even later.

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