Cade McNamara injury: ESPN insider details latest on Iowa QB

Cade McNamara is still dealing with an injury sustained during training camp. However, the quarterback is holding out hope that he can be ready to go for the season opener.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thame relayed the latest he’s heard on the situation. According to Thamel, McNamara is likely to go for the season opener but would be slightly limited.

Thamel also reported the injury is to McNamara’s quad. He also said McNamara is not expected to run much in the opener if he does play, so expect a lot of Iowa’s 12 personnel against Utah State.

“A little bit of good news out of Iowa, spoke to some sources this morning. The prevailing thought is as of today, there’s an expectation Cade McNamara will go,” Thamel reported. “He suffered a quad injury in practice about 2 weeks ago. He has an extremely high competitive level and an extremely high pain threshold.

“The thought is that he can go. Probably won’t run him too much, probably play pretty conservatively and limited which is how Iowa likes to play anyway. The strength of Iowa’s offense is its 2 tight ends so expect a ton of 12 personnel and expect McNamara to go as of now but to be slightly limited.”

Here’s our update on Utah QB Cam Rising, who sources told ESPN is doubtful to play against Florida tomorrow. Expect junior Bryson Barnes to start and Nate Johnson to play as change of pace quarterback. From College Football Live today. pic.twitter.com/ON25r67iXC

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 30, 2023

At the end of the day, McNamara is most valuable as a dual-threat QB, but his work as a passer still makes him an upgrade for the Hawkeyes. Even in a limited capacity, McNamara should be able to get his feet wet in the season opener if all goes well.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.