Injured Iowa Receiver Seeking Medical Redshirt

Matt Vandeberg, the senior who was Iowa's leading wide receiver before breaking a foot in practice last week, will likely be able to return in 2017.

Vandeberg broke his left foot in practice Monday, September 26. He has since had surgery and applying for a medical redshirt would mean his season is officially over. At his weekly press conference, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz' indicated Matt will likely try to return. Ferentz said, "Yeah, I think Matt would really like to come back. I don't have official word yet, but it sounds like this one is a little bit more clear-cut than the one we dealt with last year. So that would be good news certainly.”

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports "clear-cut" is likely a reference to a certain NCAA Bylaw that a player can get a hardship waiver IF they play in less than 30 percent of a 12-game season. That would be 3.6 games. However, the rule also lets schools round to the next game. In Vandeberg's case, that's four games. The exact number he played in this year. Still, it's the NCAA but here's hoping Vandeberg is able to return.

If Vandeberg receives the medical redshirt, Riley McCarron would be Iowa's only wide receiver loss to graduation. Vandeberg's return could be a very good development for 2017. Next year's returners include youngsters like Jay Scheel, Devonte Young, Ronald Nash, and Jerminic Smith. Let's not look ahead too much, though. There's still seven games to play in 2016 and a lot to play for.

[via The Gazette]