Miami star WR Malachi Toney to have surgery for high ankle sprain

Malachi Toney, the star wide receiver for the University of Miami Hurricanes and a Heisman Trophy candidate, is scheduled for surgery to treat a high ankle sprain, CBS News Miami reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the situation.

The injury occurred during practice and was confirmed by Miami's athletic department, which said Toney was undergoing further evaluation by the team's medical staff, according to CBS News Miami.

Recovery timelines for high ankle sprains vary, but it is possible Toney could return later this season, the source told CBS News Miami. However, the exact timeline will not be known until after surgery and subsequent evaluations.

Toney has played through ankle issues earlier in the season without missing games, but this surgery means he will be sidelined for multiple weeks. This is a significant setback for the Hurricanes, who are currently 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff.

Miami faces a crucial game against No. 4 Notre Dame this Saturday and will be without one of the nation's most dynamic players, CBS News Miami noted. The Hurricanes have no bye weeks remaining and will continue their regular season with home games against Duke, Virginia Tech, and Boston College.

If Miami qualifies for the Atlantic Coast Conference title game or the College Football Playoff, Toney's return could still be possible later in the postseason, but that depends on his recovery progress after surgery.