Mario Cristobal: Will Mallory's injury has top tight end in 'protocol,' but he 'looks good'

Miami snapped a three-game losing streak over the weekend by topping Virginia Tech 20-14, but the win came at a cost. A Will Mallory injury sidelined the Hurricanes’ top pass-catcher when he was the victim of a hit that drew an ejection for targeting.

Mallory made a snag on a 20-yard reception early in the second quarter, reaching back across his body behind him for a pass thrown a touch late. As he spun around after hauling it in, Virginia Tech safety Nasir Peoples leaned in for a hit, lowering his left shoulder.

His glancing blow seemed to catch Mallory twisting against his momentum on the right shoulder. Peoples was ejected and Mallory did not return to the game.

Coach Mario Cristobal provided a status update on Mallory on Monday.

“He looks good but we always are in protocol, so I’ll let the doctors handle that,” Cristobal said. “We’re hopeful that, No. 1, his health. But he seems very healthy and we’ll see.”

Will Mallory injury further thinned Miami receiving options

Miami had already been dealing with the loss of receiver Xavier Restrepo, who hasn’t played since the second week of the season due to a foot injury. The ‘Canes are hopeful he can return around the start of November.

With him out, Mallory emerged as the team’s leading pass-catcher.

His 23 catches matches receiver Brashard Smith‘s, while his 304 yards receiving leads the team outright. Mallory has not yet found the end zone in 2022, though.

Miami’s offense slowed a bit following Mallory’s departure, after starting off hot by jumping out to a 10-point lead on Virginia Tech in the first quarter. Luckily, the news sounds mostly positive on the veteran tight end this week.

The Hurricanes will be back in action on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET, hosting Duke in another ACC Coastal contest.