Kirk Ferentz considers whether Luke Lachey could return for Iowa bowl game

Iowa‘s offense has taken some serious hits due to injury this season, with starting quarterback Cade McNamara and tight ends Luke Lachey and Erick All lost for the season.

But could Lachey return in time for a potential bowl game?

“I talked to him yesterday about being back after the bye — jokingly,” coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He just smiled. But we’ll see. You can’t count on it. It’s hard to predict. The window’s open for that, maybe, sometime in December. But it’s certainly not for sure.”

Lachey suffered a leg injury in the team’s game against Iowa State earlier this season, forcing him to leave the game. He was ruled out for the season shortly after.

He’s now the second tight end that has been lost for the season.

Iowa lost starter Erick All this weekend, with the fellow tight end also ruled out for the year due to a torn ACL. That’s done a significant number on Iowa’s production at the position this season.

Lachey had recorded 10 catches for 131 yards prior to his injury, while All had racked up 21 catches for 299 yards and three touchdowns. As things stand, Lachey is still in the top two on the team in receiving, illustrating Iowa’s offensive struggles.

Iowa ranks third-to-last nationally in passing offense, ahead of only service academies Navy and Air Force. The team averages 116.0 yards per game through the air.

Despite that, Iowa sits at 6-1 and is in position to win the Big Ten West this season.

More on Erick All’s injury

All’s injury on Saturday hit the team like a ton of bricks, a double-whammy of sorts after the team also lost quarterback Cade McNamara for the season just two weeks prior. Coupled with the loss of Luke Lachey already, it was a devastating blow.

Ferentz opened up on the tight end’s plight.

“On a sad note, unfortunately Erick All, looks like his season is over,” Ferentz said. “We were worried about that on Saturday. And tests confirmed that. He’s going to miss the rest of the year. Really unfortunate.

“He’s done a great job, newcomer to the team, a great addition. Such a positive guy, hardworking, great personality and loves the game. Loves everything about the game, not just the game itself. And I hate to lose anybody, and certainly feel badly for Erick in that regard. He was certainly adding a lot to our football team. It’s a tough deal. We’ll all support him in his recovery, his road back, and certainly hope all goes well.”