Jalen Rivers injury update: Mario Cristobal reveals latest on Miami OT

Offensive tackle Jalen Rivers didn’t play in Miami‘s Week 2 win over Florida A&M. After the game, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal provided an update on Rivers’ condition.

“Jalen was a little bit banged up so we decided to hold him this week,” Cristobal said. “I think he’ll be back really soon. There’s nothing that’s too serious there but it was the right thing to do.”

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Markel Bell started in Rivers’ absence. Without Rivers upfront, the Hurricanes allowed two sacks. For reference, Miami only allowed one sack in its Week 1 win over in-state rival Florida. Nonetheless, Cristobal was happy with Markel Bell’s performance.

“Proud of Markel,” Cristobal said. “He had the one holding call, and it is hard to protect ring-around-the-rosey sometimes, but I thought he played really well and we will see on film.”

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Miami will be happy to return Rivers as soon as possible. This season is his fifth at Miami. He boasts 31 career appearances, including 22 starts. In the 2023 campaign, Rivers started all 13 games at left tackle and earned All-ACC Second-Team honors.

Ahead of this season, Rivers openly expressed his excitement for the Hurricanes’ improved roster.

“I think we have a great team,” Rivers said. “I feel great, we have all the pieces, it’s on us to put the pieces together. I’m excited for where this takes us.

“In high school I played left tackle, when I came in (to Miami) had to get adjusted to playing guard,” Rivers said. “I feel comfortable at any position. Left tackle, I got adjusted to real quick, felt confident every game. Now I feel great at it, feel since I’m at one spot and have stability at one spot I can build on what I put out last season.”

Jalen Rivers will look to regain that stability upon his return. With or without Rivers, the Hurricanes will square off against Ball State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the ACC Network.