Iowa is gearing up for a road trip to Northwestern this weekend, but the team will be without one key receiver for the game.

Leading wide receiver Brandon Smith is dealing with an injury, and Ferentz confirmed during his Tuesday press conference that Smith will likely need a couple of weeks to get ready. That means he is out for the Week 9 showdown with the Wildcats.

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Hawkeye Sports shared Ferentz’s update:

“His injury looks like it’s going to take a couple weeks,” Ferentz said. “We got a test (Monday), so I think it’s going to take a little while to get him back on the field.”

Smith so far has led the Hawkeyes with 33 catches and four touchdown receptions. Fortunately, Ferentz believes the Hawkeyes are deep enough to tackle Smith’s absence.

Ferentz shared how Iowa will rotate guys to fill the void, starting with Tyrone Tracy:

“First thing we’ll do is shift Tyrone Tracy (to Smith’s wide receiver position), he’ll start the game,” Ferentz said. “Ihmir (Smith-Marsette) will probably be the next man in at that position. Obviously we’ll juggle a little bit. That creates opportunity on the other side, other positions.”