The Hawkeyes are coming off back-to-back solid wins in the Big Ten over rivals Wisconsin and Penn State.
Iowa now has a 3-1 Big Ten Conference record this season, putting them in a tie for third place in the conference standings.
The squad was plagued by inconsistencies on both sides of the football at the start of the season, which can be attributed to the multitude of injuries the Hawkeyes have faced.
The running back room has been hit especially hard, with starter Kamari Moulton and backups Xavier Williams, Jaziun Patterson, Terrell Washington Jr., and Brevin Doll all missing time with injuries.
The Week Nine injury report is extremely promising for the Hawkeyes, who are finally getting back some key players for a pivotal matchup against Minnesota.
Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr. return
After missing multiple weeks with injuries, running backs Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr. are set to return this weekend against Minnesota.
Patterson has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, while Washington Jr. has been dealing with multiple injuries.
During his weekly press conference, Ferentz stated that both players returned to practice this week, and they should be good to go this weekend.
Neither player was listed on the week nine depth chart, so it remains to be seen if and how they will be used against Minnesota.
Jaden Harrell is back in at middle linebacker
Iowa middle linebacker Jaden Harrell missed Iowa's rivalry matchup against Wisconsin after suffering an injury, but was able to play in a limited capacity during last weekend's win.
After seeing Harrell play last weekend, Ferentz stated that he should be fully healthy for this weekend's game against the Golden Gophers.
Harrell is listed as the backup to Jayden Montgomery on the week nine depth chart, but he should see a higher snap count during Saturday's game.
Luke Gaffney remains out
Defensive lineman Luke Gaffney missed Iowa's previous game against Penn State after suffering an injury the week before, and remains out this week.
Gaffney's injury has been ongoing, and he has not been able to return to practice.
Gaffney has been used mainly as a reserve this season, and the Hawkeyes defensive line will take a hit without him this weekend.