Kirk Ferentz updates Cade McNamara's status, outlook for Week 1
Kirk Ferentz is getting his Iowa program ready for another season opener after 8 wins a season ago. The Hawkeyes have reloaded at some key spots, including adding transfer quarterback Cade McNamara as the team’s presumed starter.
Unfortunately, McNamara is dealing with a leg injury sustained during training camp. Ferentz discussed that injury and updated McNamara’s status for the season opener.
According to the head coach, McNamara has been physically cleared, but Ferentz has not committed to say the QB will start the season opener. Ferentz said a lot will be determined by how McNamara responds over the next few days and labeled him as “questionable” for kickoff.
Just In: Kirk Ferentz says that Cade McNamara has been cleared medically.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) August 29, 2023
Kirk Ferentz says that he wants to see how Cade McNamara responds over the next couple of days.
KF believes he’s ‘questionable.’
Cade said earlier that if he was cleared medically– that he wants to play.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) August 29, 2023
Behind McNamara, Ferentz did provide a positive update on Joe Labas and confirmed he has returned to practice. However, Iowa will go with Deacon Hill as the backup and will give Hill the start if McNamara is unable to play.
Good news that Joe Labas has returned to practice and is looking good, per Kirk Ferentz. But if Cade McNamara can’t go, Deacon Hill would start at this point.
— Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) August 29, 2023
McNamara himself touched on his status during Tuesday’s press conferences and said he’s “feeling a lot better” and progressing every day. The ultimate decision certainly rests with the coaching and training staff, but McNamara has said he wants to play if cleared for the game.