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Pete Thamel, ESPN
Iowa‘s ailing offense will be without tight end Erick All for the remainder of the season, coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday.
All, who leads the Hawkeyes with 21 receptions and 299 receiving yards, has a torn ACL, a source told ESPN on Tuesday. He suffered the injury late in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Wisconsin and was helped off the field after a hit to the knee from Wisconsin linebacker C.J. Goetz following a reception.
“It’s just really unfortunate,” Ferentz said. “He’s done a great job (being a) newcomer to the team. Just a great addition. Such a positive guy. … It’s just a tough deal, so we’ll all support him in his recovery, his road back and certainly all hope that goes well.”
All becomes another key Iowa offensive player to be lost due to injury, joining quarterback Cade McNamara and fellow tight end Luke Lachey, who both are expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
Iowa is in first place in the Big Ten West with a 6-1 record and 3-1 league mark.
Ferentz on Tuesday said there might be a possibility for Lachey to return in December following his ankle surgery, but “it’s certainly not for sure.”
Lachey, who was hurt Sept. 16 against Western Michigan, remains second on the team with 131 yards and 10 catches.
Iowa reserve tight end Addison Ostrenga has also been out recently with an injury but did return to practice this week.
Iowa remains the favorite to win the Big Ten West despite losing the three most important pieces of its offense. The Hawkeyes’ identity this season was expected to be in 12 personnel, with All and Lachey providing matchup issues for defenses and run blocking for star tailback Leshon Williams.
Iowa ranks third-to-last nationally in passing offense with 116.6 yards per game, ahead of only Navy and Air Force. The Hawkeyes have bullied their way to the top of the Big Ten West with a defense that ranks No. 10 nationally, allowing just 14.9 points per game, and strong special teams.
All, a transfer from Michigan, has scored three touchdowns and averaged 14.2 yards per catch this season. Both he and Lachey entered the season as NFL draft prospects.
