Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs to miss rest of 2022 season

Versatility at linebacker gives Hawkeyes some ‘flexibility’ with Jacobs out

Sep. 27, 2022 3:18 pm, Updated: Sep. 27, 2022 3:59 pm

Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs (5) takes down South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis (22) in the second quarter of Iowa’s 7-3 win at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs will miss the rest of the 2022 season with an injury that requires surgery, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday.

The junior first suffered an injury in Iowa’s Sept. 3 win vs. South Dakota State and missed Iowa’s games against Iowa State and Nevada.

Jacobs, who was on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, returned for Saturday’s 27-10 win at Rutgers, but he had to exit the game early again because of injury.

“That’s obviously a very tough break,” Ferentz said. “Tough for the team, but most importantly, just tough on the individual.”

Ferentz declined to say whether the injury is severe enough to affect his NFL Draft options if he were to declare after this season, saying he’s “not looking down the road that far.”

Logan Klemp has been the starter at Iowa’s Leo spot in Jacobs’ absence, and Jay Higgins “gives us a little flexibility as well.”

Iowa’s other two starting linebackers — Jack Campbell and Seth Benson — also have the ability to play outside.

“We have some guys that have versatility, which is a good thing,” Ferentz said.

Other injury notes

Defensive back Terry Roberts has been “limited” in practice after missing the Rutgers game. His status for Saturday’s Michigan game is unclear.
Wide receiver Keagan Johnson “will not be going this week,” Ferentz said. Johnson has missed three of Iowa’s first four games with a nagging “soft tissue” injury.
Defensive back Brendan Deasfernandes also remains out with an injury, Ferentz said.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com