Iowa injury blues: Hampton likely out for opener, Murphy out for season

Running back Jewel Hampton is a firm “probably not” for week one. Beyond remains up in the air.

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz told ESPN.com Friday that Hampton's availability for next week's opener against Northern Iowa is “unrealistic.” The sophomore injured his right knee in late June or early July, returned to practice for less than a week of fall camp and then reinjured the knee Aug. 13.

Hampton hasn't practiced since. He's Iowa's most experienced back. In a backup role behind Shonn Greene last season, he rushed for 463 yards and a freshman record seven touchdowns.

Without Hampton, junior Paki O'Meara was listed as Iowa's No. 1 running back on the depth chart released Friday. O'Meara, a former Cedar Rapids Washington prep, gained 62 yards on 21 carries last season and caught three passes for 33 yards.

Ferentz didn't shut the door on a Hampton return next week but expressed concerns about conditioning.

As for as the injury lingering, Ferentz told ESPN.com: “Well, it could go either way. Right now, we're not sure and I wouldn't want to try and predict it.”

Ferentz said O'Meara is the definite starter Sept. 5 for Northern Iowa. Red-shirt freshman Adam Robinson (Des Moines Lincoln) is No. 2. Jeff Brinson, also a red-shirt freshman, injured an ankle and missed about a week of camp. He returned to practice this week.

Also Friday, Iowa announced that senior Jayme Murphy, a special teams fan favorite the last few seasons, has undergone back surgery and will miss the season.

“He has been one of our best special teams players of the past decade” Ferentz said in a statement. “He is highly respected by everyone here for his demonstrated toughness and enthusiasm on the field as well as his leadership and commitment to the team.”