WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz announced here on Saturday that starting guard Sean Welsh has left the team. He did not attend the open practice at Valley High Stadium.

"He’s taking care of some things, non-football items. Sean’s a great young guy and the sooner he can get back, the better for us. He’ll be a welcome addition when we get him back," Ferentz said.

Welsh, a redshirt sophomore from Springboro, Ohio, started nine games a year ago. The Big Ten Network named him as a first-team all-freshman selection.

Eric Simmons filled in for Welsh on the first-team offense Saturday. He lined up at left guard with Jordan Walsh at right guard. Austin Blythe played center.

INJURY REPORT: The Hawkeyes appeared to come out of Saturday’s workout without any significant health concerns.

Reserve defensive tackle Brant Gressel looked like he suffered the worst injury. After going down during the scrimmage, he left the field on crutches with what looked like a right leg issue.

Back-up safety Kevin Ward walked off with a bag of ice on his right ankle. Receiver Andrew Stone pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the practice and did not return.

Defensive back Solomon Warfield left the field during the activities. He later returned to the sideline without his shoulder pads and jersey.

Tight end Henry Krieger-Coble and Brett Waechter, an offensive lineman, wore non-contact red jerseys on Saturday. They underwent off-season surgeries.

EXTRA-POINTS: Ferentz said that freshman Jalen Embry needed to fulfill some "academic requirements" before he can practice with the team…The coach said he hoped to face Jake Rudock, who’s transferring to Michigan, this season. With the Wolverines not on the regular-season schedule, that could only happen in the Big Ten title game…DE Drew Ott said they’re hoping switching up defenses can make the unit less susceptible on the perimeter…Ferentz said freshman DE Matt Nelson has progressed well since December. He was used as the third DE Saturday, rotating in with Drew Ott and Nate Meier…Derrick Mitchell’s nickname was revealed by Ferentz to be "DMX"…Ferentz said he expected the competition at strong safety between Miles Taylor and Brandon Snyder to continue throughout August camp.