Miami injury report: Is Malachi Toney playing vs Central Michigan?

Miami won at Wake Forest, but it cost them dearly. And with injuries limiting Heisman contender Malachi Toney and taking punishing running back Mark Fletcher Jr. out of the game, Hurricanes fans are hoping the extra day off means they're back and ready to play their normal snaps today against Central Michigan .

Toney was never the same after stretching backward to make a catch in the third quarter of the Sept. 18 game against the Demon Deacons. The Canes' leading receiver, second in the nation with 28 catches for 444 yards and tied for fourth with five touchdowns, was used sparingly after that as Darian Mensah and the offense stagnated.

Part of that was the subsequent loss of Fletcher, who left during the fourth quarter with an upper-body injury . The senior is Miami's leading rusher with 230 yards and three TDs on 36 carries. Without them and other key offensive pieces, the Canes had to scrap to hold on for the 33-20 win.

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Two major players on the offense were lost for the season when running back Marty Brown (knee) and wide receiver Joshua Moore (upper body) were among those injured . Brown was the No. 2 running back with 97 yards and a touchdown through three games. Moore was second behind Toney with 107 receiving yards and two TDs, and he placed fourth with seven catches. Tight end Elija Lofton also got banged up and briefly left at the end of the first half.

Here's the latest on Miami's injuries, who's expected to play and which absences could impact the game. Will Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher play?

Toney is expected to play Saturday vs. Central Michigan . If he is unavailable, Miami will rely on Daylyn Upshaw and Cooper Barkate as the primary receiving options, meaning CMU can focus more on underneath coverage.

Fletcher is expected to play Saturday vs. Central Michigan. If he is unavailable, Miami will switch to a more speed-based running attack with Girard Pringle Jr. with freshman Javian Mallory as the power back. CMU would likely focus more on containing Darian Mensah and the passing game.

What Mario Cristobal said about injuries

Asked about the status of Toney and Fletcher during his press conference Sept. 21, coach Mario Cristobal said "everything looks favorable" regarding their status going forward.

Who benefits if Malachi Toney is out vs Central Michigan?

If Toney is out, Daylyn Upshaw and Cooper Barkate become the primary wide options with more focus funneled toward tight end Elija Lofton . Expect more snaps to Vandrevius Jacobs and freshmen Vance Spafford and Somourian Wingo, as well.

Who benefits if Mark Fletcher is out vs Central Michigan?

If Fletcher sits, Miami will be down their two best running backs. Speedster Girard Pringle Jr. and freshman Javian Mallory would likely split time in the backfield, while Cristobal would likely have no choice but to cycle in beleaguered junior Jordan Lyle .

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