Wisconsin, Iowa release injury reports for Big Ten showdown

The Wisconsin and Iowa injury reports for Saturday’s Big Ten showdown have been released.

Starting with Iowa, the Hawkeyes will be without several players on Saturday.

Defensive back TJ Hall, receiver Jacob Bostick, defensive back Deshaun Lee, receiver Reese Osgood, tight end Luke Lachey and tight end Addison Ostrenga will miss the game for Iowa, the Big Ten has announced. In addition to those players, running back Jaziun Patterson and defensive end Joe Evans are questionable.

Hall has appeared in all six games this season and has five tackles. Lee has appeared in five games and has 15 stops. Lachey is second on the team with 10 catches for 131 yards. Ostrenga has two receptions for 19 yards. Patterson has 104 rushing yards and two receptions for 19 yards. Evans has 23 tackles and a team-high 6.5 tackles for loss.

As for Wisconsin, the Badgers will be without running back Chez Mellusi, cornerback Mike Mack, cornerback Max Lofy, safety Jackson Trudgeon, linebacker Aaron Witt, offensive lineman Peyton Lange, tight end Angel Toombs, tight end Michael Cerniglia, receiver Chris Brooks and tight end Jack Pugh. Wisconsin players cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean and defensive end Isaiah Mullens are listed as questionable.

Mellusi has 306 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Fourqurean has appeared in five games and has eight tackles.

Kirk Ferentz gives explanation for Kaleb Brown’s absence last week

In his press conference ahead of the Wisconsin game, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz addressed an absence from the Purdue game.

Sophomore Kaleb Brown from Chicago was completely removed from the Hawkeyes depth chart against the Boilermakers. As Iowa prepared for its colossal showdown with Wisconsin, Ferentz provided an update on Brown’s whereabouts. 

“Yes, it was a personal matter,” said Ferentz when asked if Brown would be available for this week. “He’s back at practice yesterday and has had two good days.” 

As to whether or not Brown’s absence was disciplinary in nature, Ferentz doubled down on his stance, keeping his answer short and sweet. 

“No, I would say it’s a personal matter.” 

Ferentz provides update on Noah Shannon’s eligibility

Iowa could have major Noah Shannon news on the horizon thanks to some recent NCAA proposals that could take effect regarding sports gambling and the subsequent punishments for players caught betting against NCAA rules.

Coach Kirk Ferentz revealed Tuesday that the NCAA has cleared the influential defensive tackle practice.

“Some recent developments that I’ll share, Noah Shannon has been cleared to practice,” Ferentz said. “I don’t know what we’ll learn or when we’ll learn his status moving forward. But at least we have him on the field now. He’s back on the roster and able to be part of the team as a football player instead of a guy helping out a little bit. So that’s positive, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed as we move forward.”