Iowa had all their weapons back for the thrilling Michigan win, but sadly, it didn't stay that way.
The Hawkeyes welcomed back running backs Kamari Moulton, L.J. Phillips Jr., and Brevin Doll, along with starting tight end DJ Vonnahme. Vonnahme played limited snaps in the victory over Michigan, while Phillips Jr. didn't play a single snap. In another pivotal week-five game, Iowa's initial injury report is limited, but has some big names on and off it.
DJ Vonnahme and L.J. Phillips Jr. are fully cleared to play
Vonnahme's return was a big benefit for the Iowa offense in week four, but he was limited to a handful of snaps after coming back from an injury against Iowa State. Addison Ostrenga played well with Vonnahme sidelined, but Iowa needed a full complement of tight ends against Michigan. It was strange that he was healthy but didn't get many snaps, most likely out of an abundance of caution. The Hawkeyes need Vonnahme to be fully involved in both the passing and running games to have a chance against Ohio State, and he will likely see a much higher snap count this weekend.
Phillips Jr. was also cleared to play against Michigan, but he didn't receive any snaps. Ferentz said he couldn't find a good spot for Phillips Jr., and the Michigan defense is staunch against the run. He definitely should have received more snaps, given that Iowa rushed for only 53 yards, but he could easily see an expanded role this week. Iowa must get the run game going against a strong Ohio State defense, and Phillips Jr. definitely helps that. We should see expanded snap counts for both Vonnahe and Phillips Jr. this week in a crucial matchup against Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium.
Tyler Brown is back on the sideline after he was injured late against Michigan
Starting safety Tyler Brown was finally back on the field after a hamstring injury sidelined him since spring ball, but unfortunately for Brown, that didn't last long. Brown was in the starting lineup at safety alongside Zach Lutmer, and although the defense allowed 429 total yards, it was good to have Brown back. He re-aggravated his hamstring on the final defensive series before Iowa's game-winning drive, and he is listed as out for this weekend's game. Ferentz said earlier this week that Brown was not fully back and said, "We'll see," about his status this weekend.
If Brown is out for week five, transfer Anthony Hawkins will resume his role as a starting safety opposite Zach Lutmer, with Jacob Wallace remaining at CASH. Iowa needs every weapon it can get in the secondary to shut down a potent Ohio State passing attack, and losing Brown hurts. Hawkins has played well in his stead and is a solid backup option, but the Iowa defense will have its hands full with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Brown is another big body they could throw at Smith, but they must now find other ways to slow him down.
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