Sam LaPorta, Monte Pottebaum not listed on Iowa football depth chart ahead of Nebraska game

Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta and fullback Monte Pottebaum are not on the Iowa football depth chart after leaving the Minnesota game with injuries.

If LaPorta indeed cannot play against Nebraska, quarterback Spencer Petras will be without his top weapon. The John Mackey Award semifinalist has 53 receptions for 601 yards — more than Iowa’s two next-best receivers combined.

Luke Lachey is listed as the starter at tight end in place of LaPorta.

Lachey is coming off one of the best performances of his career against Minnesota. He had five receptions for 77 yards, including a 33-yard catch at a critical point in the fourth quarter to set up the game-winning field goal.

Turner Pallissard is the listed first-teamer at fullback, backed up by Eli Miller. Iowa has started a fullback in four games this season.

Beau Stephens, who missed last week’s game with an injury, also is not on the depth chart. Nick DeJong is starting in his place at right guard.

Players excluded from the Monday depth chart because of injuries have occasionally played, but the exclusion usually is not a good sign for their status.

LaPorta and Pottebaum’s availability will likely be more clear after head coach Kirk Ferentz’s Tuesday news conference.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com