Status of Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara’s leg injury unclear until ‘early next week’

IOWA CITY — Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara exited Saturday’s game against Michigan State with a left leg injury although his exact prognosis is unclear.

“We really won’t know his status until early next week,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said after the 26-16 win.

McNamara did not put any weight on his left leg as trainers helped him off the field. He was carted to the locker room after spending time in the medical tent.

He returned to the sideline in the second half on crutches. His left leg was heavily wrapped.

"I don't want to speculate, but it always is concerning when a guy has to get helped off the field,“ Ferentz said.

The former third-team all-Big Ten quarterback missed two weeks of fall camp because of a quad injury, but that involved his right leg instead of his left.

McNamara has completed 51.1 percent of his passes while throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions through five games.

Deacon Hill took over at quarterback in the Michigan transfer’s absence. Hill appeared sparingly in three of Iowa’s first four games, going 4-for-8 for 49 yards.

Hill was 11-of-27 with 115 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Several dropped passes by receivers put an asterisk on Hill’s completion numbers, however.

If McNamara misses extended time, Ferentz said Hill would “clearly be one” on the depth chart. Joe Labas, who “missed a lot of time” in fall camp, would back up Hill.

Offensive lineman Nick DeJong also exited Saturday’s game with an injury, but Ferentz said it “seemed like it’s not as bad as it could have been.”

“No dislocation, anything like that, which is good news,” Ferentz said.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com