Cade McNamara carted to locker room with injury, doubtful to return vs Michigan State

Kinnick Stadium was rocking for a night game, with the Iowa Hawkeyes playing host to the Michigan State Spartans. A lot has been made on the offensive end and the job Brian Ferentz has ahead of him. There is a point total goal at stake and a huge blow to the effort just took place with an injury to quarterback Cade McNamara.

Iowa was backed up in their own end zone, hoping to escape on a second down play. McNamara stepped up in the pocket and looked set to gain a few yards on the ground. However, when planting a foot, he immediately went down with a non-contact injury.

It’s being described as a “lower-body injury” and McNamara was carted to the locker room from the sideline. He has also already been ruled doubtful for the remainder of the game. Not the best news for an Iowa team looking to continue what has been a decent start to the season.

Cade McNamara leaves on cart. pic.twitter.com/FK6r0Owzq2

— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) October 1, 2023

Before leaving the game, McNamara had completed three of his six passing attempts. They went for a total of 46 yards, an average of 9.2 yards per attempt. McNamara’s lone rush went for zero yards — the play he suffered the injury on.

Iowa is likely going to have to deal without their starting quarterback for the rest of the Michigan State game. Deacon Hill has slotted in to replace him, hoping to get a win following last week’s loss to Penn State.

Once the game is over, the focus can become McNamara’s long-term status. Everyone involved with the Iowa program will be hoping the news is positive.

Cade McNamara out in second Big Ten game with Iowa

McNamara is no stranger to facing off against Big Ten competition. He transfers into the program after losing the Michigan quarterback job to JJ McCarthy. His experience was supposed to help elevate Iowa’s offense to a different level — something that has been a missing piece in recent years.

There were some struggles early in the season, especially last week against Penn State. McNamara had a completion percentage of 50.6 entering the Michigan State game, throwing for 459 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Getting shutout in Happy Valley saw McNamara have just 42 yards on 5 of 14 passing — an average of 3.0 yards per attempt.

If the reviews on McNamara following the game are positive, there will be some improvements to make moving forward against conference foes.