Miami footballwill be without a key member of its offense for theCollege Football Playoffnational championship game.
According to the initial injury reportfor the2026 CFP Championshipthat was released on Friday, Jan. 16, theHurricaneshave ruled out starting tight end Elija Lofton for Monday's game at Hard Rock Stadium against No. 1Indiana.
Lofton's rule-out comesafter he was carted off the fieldin the Hurricanes' 31-27 win over No. 6 Mississippi in the CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday, Jan. 8. He finished with one catch for 15 yards in the win.
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The 6-foot-3 tight end ranks third among Miami's receivers for touchdowns at three on the season, and is fourth in receiving yards at 218 yards on 23 receptions.
Miami will also be without Xavier Lucas for the first half of the national championship game, as the Hurricanes' defensive backwas ejected from the Fiesta Bowlfollowing a targeting call in the second half.
Here's what to know about Lofton's status for the game, along with a look at both team's initial injury report:
Will Elija Lofton play in CFP Championship vs Indiana?
No, Miami ruled out Lofton inFriday's initial CFP injury reportfor the national championship game.
In a media availability this week, Miami coach Mario Cristobal told reporters that Lofton's status was in question for the game after getting banged up in the Fiesta Bowl.
Miami football injury report for CFP Championship vs Indiana
Here's a look at Miami's initial injury report for the national championship game:
LB Malik Bryant
TE Elija Lofton
WR Daylyn Upshaw
DL Donta Simpson
OUT (FIRST HALF — TARGETING)
DB Xavier Lucas
QUESTIONABLE
DB Damari Brown
DL Cole McConathy II
Indiana football injury report for CFP Championship vs Miami
Here's a look at Indiana's initial injury report for the national championship game:
DL Stephen Daley
DL Kellan Wyatt
DB Jah Jah Boyd
DB Amariyun Knighten
DB Bryson Bonds
RB Lee Beebe Jr.
DL Andrew DePaepe
QUESTIONABLE
K Brendan Franke
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Miami football TE Elija Lofton out for CFP national championship game
