As Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz awaits word on a bowl bid for the Hawkeyes, he will be preparing for his eventual opponent without one of his running backs.

Ferentz provided additional information on an injury sustained during practice by Hawkeyes running back Ivory Kelly-Martin, stating that he will not be returning until next season.

According to reports, Kelly-Martin will undergo surgery next week to repair a knee injury he suffered last week in practice.

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Ferentz had high praise for his backfield.

“We have a really good group of backs this year, guys who have been absolutely unbelievable,’’ Ferentz said. “These three guys, Ivory, Tyler and Mekhi, all three of them have been great all season long.

“There’s only one starting position, but I can’t say enough about all three of them being extremely unselfish, extremely good when they’ve been out on the field as offensive players, but the job they’ve done on special teams, too, in particular Mekhi and Ivory. Just absolutely phenomenal.’

The Hawkeyes finished the regular season with a 6-2 record, and will await word on any possible bowl game opportunities.

Michigan announced on Tuesday afternoon they canceled their trip to Kinnick Stadium for this weekend’s game with Iowa due to COVID-19 concerns within their program.