New transfer edge rushers give Miami depth and time to absorb Rueben Bain injury
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said defensive lineman Rueben Bain will be out for at least a couple of weeks. Cristobal said in the postgame on Saturday that Bain and cornerback Damari Brown suffered soft tissue injuries in the win over Florida.
The additions of Elijah Alston from Marshall and Tyler Baron from Tennessee via Louisville were critical for Miami in the win over Florida. Baron had three tackles two tackles for loss and a sack versus Florida. Alston recorded three tackles. 1.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks and one pass breakup.
Miami also got Akheem Mesidor back from injury. Mesidor missed most of the 2023 season with injuries to both feet. Mesidor had two tackles versus Florida. Miami plays Florida A&M in its home opener on Saturday, hosts Ball State on September 14 and plays at South Florida on September 21 to finish its non-conference schedule.
Miami should be able to win without Bain versus Florida A&M, Ball State and South Florida. Getting Bain back for the ACC opener on Friday, September 27 versus Virginia Tech. The Hokies were expected to be a contender for an ACC Title but lost to Vanderbilt in their season opener on Saturday.
"“It’s going to be a couple of weeks...I’ll know more as these tests go on throughout the course of the day and the week. But he will not be playing this game...I don’t know if I can honestly say that I’ll be transparent about it completely...but I’ll do my best.”"
- Mario Cristobal
The comments from Cristobal do not sound encouraging. It seems like Cristobal knows more than he is letting on. For now, Bain will likely be out for at least Florida A&M and almost definitely Ball State. Any games Bain will miss beyond Ball State will likely not be discussed for a couple of weeks.
Next. Mario Cristobal injury updates for Rueben Bain and Damari Brown. Mario Cristobal injury updates for Rueben Bain and Damari Brown. dark
Although Bain was the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, Miami has far better depth on the defensive line in 2024 than they did last season. Beyond the additions of Alston and Baron, tue freshmen Marquise Lightfoot and Cole McConathy are players to watch who will receive an increase in snaps.