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Kirk Ferentz confirms long-term nature of Luke Lachey’s injury

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Kirk Ferentz did not sound optimistic about the injury to tight end Luke Lachey after Saturday’s win. At his weekly press conference, the head coach confirmed Lachey’s injury will keep him out for an extended period of time.

Ferentz did not list an exact timetable for Lachey’s injury but said it is confirmed as a “significant injury” that will keep the player out “for quite a while.” Fortunately, the long-term outlook remains positive for Lachey.

“Certainly not happy about losing Luke Lachey. Feel most badly for him, obviously he’s the person most affected,” said Ferentz. “Just an unfortunate development. He’ll be fine here in time but it is a significant injury and he’ll be out for quite a while here.”

As for the running back room, Ferentz said that Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson are dealing with ailments that will be treated on a “week-to-week type basis.” While that is a positive, both players will be out in Week 4 per Ferentz.

Lachey is still the team’s leading receiver coming out of Week 3 with 10 catches for 131 yards, so there’s no denying the blow his injury leaves with the offense. Johnson started the first 2 games at RB and Patterson had a breakout performance against Iowa State.

To replace these injured players, Iowa will lean on veteran TE Erick All who has produced in his career dating back to time at Michigan. Leshon Williams also looks to be the likely starter at RB with both Johnson and Patterson sidelined.

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.