As gameday arives, the Hawkeyes released their updated availability report with a few more significant names listed.
Defensive back John Nestor, wide receiver Reece Vander Zee, tight end Addison Ostrenga, and quarterbacks Marco Lainez and Cade McNamara are all listed out.
Tight end Luke Lachey is also listed as questionable, though Hawk Central’s Chad Leistikow reported that Lachey will not play against Wisconsin.
Lachey’s listing results from a lingering quad injury he suffered last week against Northwestern. If Lachey is unable to play, Zach Ortwerth is expected to start at tight end. Tight ends Johnny Pascuzzi, Andrew Lentsch, and Hayden Large should be expected to add depth as well.
Today’s Availability Report ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/TCZGjFtFdE
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) November 2, 2024
As for Lainez, he was expected to be the backup quarterback behind Brendan Sullivan, but a broken left thumb suffered in Monday’s practice has effectively ended his availability for the regular season. With his thumb surgery successful, there remains a possibility of a bowl game return for Lainez per Leistikow.
With Lainez out for the regular season, the Hawkeyes will turn to Colorado State transfer Jackson Stratton as the backup today. Stratton transferred to Iowa this offseason through the transfer portal after one season in Fort Collins, Colo.
The clash with the Wisconsin Badgers will start at 6:30 p.m. CT from Kinnick Stadium and will air on NBC and Peacock. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will be manning the prime time call of the 98th all-time meeting between the two historic programs.
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