On Sunday evening, the University of Miami announced that star RB Mark Walton would have surgery. Here is the press release from Miami Athletics

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football program announced Sunday that junior running back Mark Walton sustained a right ankle injury in the Hurricanes’ 24-20 win at Florida State Saturday, and will undergo surgery. The surgery will be performed at the UHealth Sports Medicine Institute at The Lennar Foundation Medical Center. A timetable for Walton’s return has not been determined. Walton has rushed for 428 yards and three touchdowns in four games this season, ranking third in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 107 rushing yards per game.

UPDATE: on his weekly conference call, Mark Richt said Walton’s injury will be “season-ending”

Richt says Walton's season is over. — Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) October 8, 2017

BREAKING: Mark Richt just now: "It'll be a season-ending surgery." https://t.co/1sFYE8irKO — Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) October 8, 2017

Mark Walton will miss the remainder of the season. Have to wonder if that’s the last we’ve seen of him as a Cane. — Peter Ariz (@PeterAriz) October 8, 2017

This is a HUGE loss for Miami. Not only is the depth at RB limited, but Mark Walton is the best player at that position for Miami. His ability to run and catch the ball has been featured on the Canes’ offense this season.

Having had a major ankle injury before, I sympathize with Walton. While a timetable has not been announced for his potential return, I hope he is able to come back this season.

Walton is the 2nd Miami RB to be injured and need surgery after playing Florida State in recent years. Former Canes RB Duke Johnson broke his leg and needed surgery following the Canes’ game at Florida State in 2013.

We wish Mark Walton the best in his upcoming surgery and the associated recovery.

More on this in the coming days.