Cooper DeJean suffers lower-leg injury, will miss rest of 2023 season

IOWA CITY — Iowa cornerback and special teams standout Cooper DeJean has suffered a significant lower-leg injury in practice and will miss the rest of the season, the team confirmed Wednesday evening in a news release.

“This is truly heartbreaking for Cooper,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. “He has played extremely well and is a real playmaker on our team. We will all support Cooper during his recovery, which will continue into the new year.”

Ferentz later said on his radio show that DeJean’s “foot was planted, and he twisted it in a way that something had to give.”

“The good news, if there is good news -- I hate to use the word routine, but it should be a very predictable path back for him,” Ferentz said. “It’s going to take some time, take more than six, eight weeks.”

DeJean’s absence creates a significant void on Iowa’s defensive and special teams units. The Odebolt native has two interceptions this season and has allowed completions on only 45.7 percent of passes thrown toward his receivers, per Pro Football Focus. He leads the conference with 11.5 yards per punt return.

DeJean, an Associated Press midseason All-American, has widely been projected to be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

DeJean’s injury follows a high snap count this season amid heavy usage on defense and special teams. He has taken 872 snaps through 10 games this season, per PFF.

With DeJean out, Deshaun Lee is Iowa’s most likely option to fill in at cornerback. Lee started the first two games of the season while Jermari Harris was sidelined with a sports wagering suspension.

The DeJean-less Iowa secondary will have a significant test Saturday against Illinois. Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams leads the Big Ten with 68 receptions this season.

On special teams, Ferentz said Williamsburg native Kaden Wetjen will take over punt return duties. Iowa City native and fellow wide receiver Alec Wick is “in the bullpen there.”

Wednesday’s news adds to a long list of major injuries for the Hawkeyes this season. Quarterback Cade McNamara and tight ends Luke Lachey and Erick All have all suffered injuries requiring surgeries.

DeJean also suffered an injury last November against Nebraska. He exited the game, but returned in time for the Music City Bowl. The Hawkeyes struggled defensively in his absence as the Huskers pulled off a 24-17 upset.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com