AH TV: Kirk Ferentz addresses multiple topics, including Brandon Smith’s injury status and Oliver Martin
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Kirk Ferentz expressed hope and optimism after the Purdue game this past Saturday that the injury to junior receiver Brandon Smith wasn't serious.
By Tuesday, however, Ferentz's tone had changed considerably.
Iowa's veteran head coach told the media that Smith likely will be out for at least three to five weeks with what is believed to be a knee injury.
"We were optimistic maybe Sunday and Monday," Ferentz said. "We got a test yesterday, so I think it's going to take a little while to get him back on the field.
"That's just the way it goes, Unfortunately, certainly."
Smith suffered the injury in the second half against Purdue after having nine receptions for 106 yards in Iowa's 26-20 victory. The Mississippi native also leads Iowa with 33 catches for 407 yards and four touchdowns.
Ferentz said Tuesday that redshirt freshman Tyrone Tracy Jr., will replace Smith in the starting lineup for this Saturday's game at Northwestern.
Ferentz also said senior linebacker Kristian Welch is doubtful for the Northwestern game because of an undisclosed injury. Welch also missed the Purdue game this past Saturday.
He was replaced in the starting lineup by redshirt freshman Dillon Doyle, who is the son of Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle.
True freshman Jack Campbell also rotated with Dillon Doyle at middle linebacker against Purdue, and that is likely to continue on Saturday at Northwestern.
"That's probably one of the good things thus far at least, we've been able to have some moving parts, but still play good team defense," Ferentz said. "That's kind of what we're looking for,
"Hopefully, we can keep building.
Ferentz was asked on Tuesday if Smith's injury could lead to Oliver Martin having a bigger role at receiver. Martin, who graduated from Iowa City West in 2017, has played sparingly this season after having transferred from Michigan in June.
"He's working right now, certainly in the mix for competition this week," Ferentz said.