Robinson returns, but injuries mount

Sophomore running back Adam Robinson will return to the lineup this week, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said.

Robinson sat out against Indiana after suffering a concussion late in the Michigan State game. It happened on his second carry of the fourth quarter on a play that ended up being Robinson's only fumble in 353 career carries.

"As far as I know, he's practicing today and he's training; ran on Sunday, lifted and all that stuff," Ferentz said. "So, he's fine to go."

Robinson leads the Hawkeyes with 806 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, which is tied for second most in the Ferentz era. Shonn Greene rushed for 20 TDs in 2008. Ladell Betts had 10 in 2001.

Not everyone is.

Right guard is depleted. Junior Adam Gettis (ankle) and freshman Nolan MacMillan (shoulder/neck) split starts before MacMillan sat out against Wisconsin and Gettis left Michigan State. Senior Josh Koeppel, who spent his career as a center, started against Indiana.

Senior linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (neck/shoulder stinger) hasn't been full-time since the Big Ten season started. If he's able to play more than just passing downs, he might get the start at outside linebacker today.

Earlier this week, Ferentz was asked if this is as banged up as his team has been in a few years.

"I don't know," he said. "I need to think before I talk here."

He was then asked what it takes to get back to the field after an injury. Obviously, there's clearance from the medical staff, but there's also performance hurdles.

"In a nutshell, if a guy can play, he'll play, as long as they won't hurt themselves doing it," Ferentz said. "That's good and I support that.

"The second thing is I have to make the judgement whether or not a guy can be effective. If you can't play your position effectively with your injury, it doesn't make sense. I know you can do it, but you're better off going in a different direction and getting guys healthy."