Could starting center Logan Jones be preparing to give it a go against Missouri in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl? Or is Jones just working as a potential contingency plan against the Tigers?
Despite a reported broken bone in his right hand, Jones practiced with the Hawkeyes on Friday. Jones had been held out of Thursday’s 11-on-11 work, but the 6-foot-3, 293 pound center was back into the mix on Friday sporting a big club on his right hand.
Jones’ right hand is his snapping hand. But, during Friday’s practice, Jones was working under center and snapping with his left hand.
Logan Jones is back practicing today. Snapping with his left hand. Right hand still with a cast. pic.twitter.com/GiddAdrD02
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) December 27, 2024
Coming into the Hawkeyes’ bowl date, Jones has started all 12 games this season for Iowa at center. Jones has made 38 starts for the Hawkeyes at center over the past three seasons.
If Jones can’t go, Iowa will turn to fifth-year backup center Tyler Elsbury. Elsbury has started five games during his Iowa career with one of those starts coming at center against Nebraska to cap the 2023 regular season.
Jones recently announced that he would return for the 2025 season, softening the blow if he can’t go against Missouri.
Listening to Jones’ teammates, it definitely still sounds and feels like Elsbury will get the nod at center and Jones is working as one of the Hawkeyes’ backup options.
“The only bright side of this in my mind is Logan is coming back, and Els can’t,” Richman said of Jones’ injury. “That’s the only thing that is beautiful about that to me is that Els gets his shot.
“I know he got in there a few games and had ups and downs, but I think he’s ready for this. He’s been dying for this. I think, learning the news he’s learned in the last month, he’s just been ready to go at it with the group and help lead us out there as a center.”
Iowa starting right tackle Gennings Dunker also recently announced his return to the Hawkeyes for the 2025 season. Like Richman, Dunker is excited if Elsbury gets one final opportunity to start for the Hawkeyes against Missouri.
“He’s probably one of the best backup centers in the country,” Dunker said. “He’s pretty good. Kind of sucks getting stuck behind LoJo, but he’s really talented.”
Iowa closes its 2024 season against Missouri on Monday, Dec. 30 with a 1:30 p.m. CT kickoff from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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