Watch Iowa football news conference: Media day with Kirk Ferentz

Just over three weeks away from the season-opening game, Kirk Ferentz was at the podium Friday for Iowa football media day.

Watch the press conference here, with updates below.

Follow The Gazette’s Leah Vann and Jeff Johnson for more media day updates.

Iowa football injury update

Ferentz said starting offensive lineman Kyler Schott is on crutches with a foot injury and will miss time early in the season. He suffered the injury jumping off a hay bale while working at home. Ferentz said Justin Britt has stepped in at right guard.

Freshman wide receiver Keagan Johnson might not participate in Saturday’s Kids Day open practice because of what Ferentz called “a little boo boo.” Johnson cracked the depth chart this summer.

Another freshman receiver, Brody Brecht, will be “out for a while” with a thumb injury. Brecht was catching up anyway after playing baseball for Ankeny this summer, which he’ll also play for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa’s vaccination rate improves

Ferentz said Iowa’s vaccination rate has gone up since Big Ten Media Days, when he said almost 70 percent of the team had been vaccinated. He said players won’t be mandated to get the vaccine. The focus is on educating them about it and what the protocols will be for players who are not vaccinated.

Iowa football tickets update

Iowa announced there are 5,000 tickets remaining for the Sept. 4 season-opener against Indiana at Kinnick Stadium. All 8,700 student season tickets have been sold.

The 18th-ranked Hawkeyes open the season with two ranked opponents, No. 17 Indiana at home, then at No. 8 Iowa State.

“It’s a good reminder for all of us that we don’t have time to waste,” Ferentz said.