Starting quarterback Mark Gronowski's status for Saturday's Big Ten matchup against Wisconsin is still up in the air.
The latest report indicates that Gronowski will be a game-time decision for the battle for the Heartland Trophy as he continues to recover from a left knee injury.
After a scramble against Indiana in the early stages of the fourth quarter, Gronowski was seen limping off the field as he entered the blue medical tent.
Gronowski returned to the sideline and was riding the exercise bike to try to re-enter the game, but was unable to overcome his injury.
Luckily for the Hawkeyes, they had a bye during week six last week so the team could get healthy.
Even if Gronowski is ready to play on Saturday, the Hawkeyes should focus on the long-term success of the program and keep him on the sidelines.
The Wisconsin Badgers have struggled this season in all facets of the game and have limped to a 2-3 (0-2 Big Ten) record to start the season.
The Badgers' defense is ranked outside the top 30 in scoring defense (T-No. 39), passing yards allowed (No. 95), turnover margin (T-No. 115), and total defense (No. 39) as they have struggled to stop teams.
Their offense is not any better, ranking No. 94 in passing (200 yards per game), No. 116 in rushing (109.2 yards per game), and No. 124 in total offense (309.2 yards per game).
The Iowa defense will have a field day against a weak Wisconsin offense and will put the offense in great positions to score.
Backup quarterback Hank Brown has shown flashes of what he can do in limited opportunities, excluding his poor performance against Indiana.
Third-string quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski has also show promise at practice, and could be called upon in a pinch.
The main reason Gronowski should sit this weekend is that the Hawkeyes have a pivotal game against Penn State at home on October 18, and they need him to be fully healthy.
Penn State is struggling after their loss to 0-4 UCLA last weekend, but are always a tough matchup for the Hawkeyes.
Gronowski will want to play this weekend in the rivalry game, but it will be in Iowa's best interest to keep him on the bench so he is fully healthy for Penn State next weekend.