Kirk Ferentz calls Cade McNamara injury a 'muscle issue'

Everyone held their breath at Iowa football practice on Saturday as quarterback Cade McNamara went down during a QB scramble with a non-contact injury to his right leg. Luckily, he was able to get up and walk away and back into the locker rooms with the training staff, however, his day was done after that.

A little bit later, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz met with reporters on the field to discuss the practice. Of course, he was asked about McNamara’s status after the scary incident from earlier. He provided the latest:

“Sounds like it’s a muscle issue,” said the Iowa head coach, who is still hopeful the injury is not very long-term. “So it’s unfortunate, obviously. He needs work like everybody out here needs work. But, hopefully nothing too serious.”

Kirk Ferentz on Cade McNamara: “Hopefully nothing too serious.” pic.twitter.com/3PXxgXRVxT

— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) August 12, 2023

One reporter then asked if the Iowa staff would love to see McNamara “test out” his leg, to which Coach Ferentz quickly responded, “not today.”

So, McNamara definitely ruled out of the rest of Saturday’s practice after going down with a right leg injury. As for any estimation beyond today, Ferentz provided little clarity but did say he’s hoping the injury isn’t too serious and it appears to be related to a leg muscle.

Initial report, other details for McNamara injury

Iowa beat reporter Scott Dochterman initially reported that Hawkeye quarterback and Michigan transfer Cade McNamara went down at practice with an injury to his right knee. Here was his account of the play where McNamara suffered the injury, which he tweeted out on Saturday afternoon:

“Well, that’s no good. After Cade McNamara scrambled he fell kind of weird with his right knee. He took himself out, then walked off the field and into the tunnel with Iowa’s training staff.”

If you can handle it, there’s now been a video of the injury released of the play where McNamara was injured. He appears to go down on his own without any other player hitting him:

Here is the play Iowa fans are concerned about, after which Cade McNamara took himself out.

Apologies, this is the best look we have right now. pic.twitter.com/mTAzQEmb6y

— Jack Lido (@JackLido) August 12, 2023

The good news is McNamara apparently walked off the field and removed himself from practice on his own accord, so the injury couldn’t have been too devastating. But you never know with knee injuries and even minor ones can cause players to miss weeks.

Here’s to hoping for a swift recovery for the new Iowa QB, who Ferentz has consistently referred to as the starter for the upcoming season. It’d be a massive blow to lose him.