Iowa simply cannot escape the injury bug. The Hawkeyes’ injury report, which comes as a gut punch and a cautious sigh of relief, comes ahead of a crucial Big Ten matchup with Wisconsin. OUT: Addison Ostrenga, Terrell Washington Jr., Shahid Barros, Jaden Harrell, Jaziun Patterson, and Jarriett Buie. Xavier Williams, Reece Vander Zee, and Mark Gronowski are IN.
Fans anxiously refresh their feeds, deciphering every word from head coach Kirk Ferentz as if it were a coded message about who will actually play on Saturday in Madison. Since there is a lot of bad news, let’s start with it. With Terrell Washington Jr. and Jaziun Patterson out, the running back room suffers yet another setback.
Since the beginning of the season, Patterson has struggled with a persistent ankle injury, and he hasn’t been able to fully recover. Washington Jr. sustained a lower-body injury last week, and even though he hasn’t played much, the team isn’t taking the chance of more harm.
After Kaleb Johnson, who has already taken on more offensive responsibility than Ferentz would like at this early stage of October, Iowa is left painfully thin. Additionally, it means that the offensive line must improve because every inch of push counts when there is no depth in the backfield.
Losing Jaden Harrell is significant from a defensive perspective. The intelligent, strong, and reliable middle linebacker has been the beating heart of Iowa’s defense. There is a leadership gap left by his absence, so it’s likely that a variety of young people will fill his snaps. That is problematic for a defense based on communication and discipline.
The tight end It hurts from both a blocking and receiving perspective that Addison Ostrenga won’t be available either. He has played a silent but important role in Iowa’s offensive rhythm. The Hawkeyes’ versatility in the red zone is limited because they are genetically partial to tight ends. Let’s look at the bright side now. It’s Mark Gronowski again.
He reportedly recovered from his knee sprain and is now able to practice without any limitations. That is enormous. Gronowski’s return adds a soothing presence to Iowa’s offense, which has been looking for stability under center. Despite his lack of flash, he is calm and effective, two qualities Iowa sorely lacks when facing Wisconsin’s formidable front seven.
Reece Vander Zee and Xavier Williams are also coming back, and it is anticipated that they will both provide much-needed depth and excitement. Vander Zee has appeared sharp in practice despite being sidelined for several weeks due to a foot problem. If Williams is playing at his best, he could offer a change of pace in the running game.
All things considered, this injury report resembles Iowa’s season in miniature: difficult stretches, rays of hope, and a test of perseverance and depth. Although Ferentz has seen this story before—his teams rarely survive October—his ability to get results from walk-ons and backups is part of what has kept Iowa competitive year after year.
Everything changes if Gronowski is truly back to his former self. The offense appears more stable all of a sudden. The playbook is revealed. The Hawkeyes can relax a bit. However, there is still little room for error. Every possession counts against Wisconsin, as does every healthy body.
The grind, attrition, and next-man-up mentality that characterize programs like Iowa are, in my opinion, what make Big Ten football so intriguing. Saturday will serve as a yardstick for evaluating not only skill but also fortitude.
The Hawkeyes still have hope despite their dismal injury list. They have plenty to play for, their quarterback is back, and some reinforcements are prepared. And if you can rely on one thing about an Iowa team led by Ferentz, it’s that they will fight to the end.
